Judge in Apple e-book case says she'll avoid unnecessary intrusion into business as part of remedy
Judge Denise Cote on Tuesday put to rest concerns that Apple's looming punishment for colluding with book publishers might encroach upon other facets of the company's business.
In the wake of Apple's guilty verdict for conspiring to raise the price of e-books, you might recall that one of the DOJ's proposed remedies included a sweeping proposal that would have enabled book retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble to provide links to e-books from within their own e-book apps. This, of course, runs counter to Apple's App Store guidelines as it skirts around Apple's 30 percent cut.
In its reply brief, Apple argued that the DOJ's remedies were unreasonably broad, draconian and punitive.
It would appear, though, that Apple doesn't have to worry about its punishment affecting its overall business model.
"I want this injunction to rest as lightly as possible on how Apple runs its business," she said as she made suggested revisions. She left it to lawyers on both sides to make further revisions before she approves remedies next week.
Her suggestions offered relief for Apple from some of the government's recommendations. For instance, the government suggested provisions that would affect Apple's App store, but Cote said she thinks they are unnecessary.
"The App store was only an incidental part of this trial," Cote said.
Apple still maintains that it committed no illegal acts and is planning to appeal.
