A U.S. court judge, who found Apple liable for price-fixing back in July, ruled that the company could not enter into certain deals for two years.
The Wall Street Journal reports that U.S. District Judge Denise Cote ruled that Apple could not make any agreements with publishers that limits the ability to change the price, for up to two years. She also limited her ruling to Apple's e-book issues, which now limits the Justice Department, who had wanted to have a say in the company's sale of and distribution of other electronic entertainment.
Publishers originally set the prices for e-books, but five major publishers were found to have engaged in price-fixing earlier this year by Judge Cote. Instead of going to trial, they opted to enter into settlement instead.
Another issue was the "most-favored nation" clause, which allowed Apple to lower prices on best sellers and other books to compete with competitors. Cote also ruled that Apple was not allowed to do that during the same two year period. It's an attempt to prevent further collusion between the publishing companies and Apple.
An Apple spokesman denied the company engaged in price-fixing in a statement, PC World reports.
"Apple did not conspire to fix ebook pricing. The iBookstore gave customers more choice and injected much needed innovation and competition into the market. Apple will pursue an appeal of the injunction."
image: Wikimedia Commons
