Macmillan settled e-book price-fixing claims with 33 states and territories,...
Macmillan settled e-book price-fixing claims with 33 states and territories, Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen said. He co-chairs the National Association of Attorneys General’s antitrust committee and co-led the investigation of alleged collusion among publishers and Apple with Texas Attorney…
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General Greg Abbott. The preliminary memorandum of understanding, which requires approval by the U.S. District Court in New York, ensures that “going forward, consumers benefit from fair competition in the sale of eBooks,” Jepsen said in a written statement (http://xrl.us/bogynt). The settlement provides $12 million to compensate affected customers in the 33 states and territories and will give e-book outlets “greater freedom to reduce the prices” of e-books, Jepsen’s office said. The states’ lawsuit against Penguin and Apple continues and trial is scheduled for June. A spokeswoman for Jepsen’s office declined to comment on whether it was in settlement talks with Penguin, which already settled federal claims with the Justice Department (WID Dec 20 p5). She said a finalized Macmillan settlement isn’t ready yet. The Hagens Berman law firm, which also participating in the lawsuit, said (http://xrl.us/bogypz) the proposed settlement included a $20 million Macmillan fund “from which claims to consumers who purchased e-books would be paid."