Quote:
Originally Posted by HarryT
Given that it would almost certainly be cheaper for them to pay the fine, as the publishers involved in the case have done, it would seem reasonable to think that they believe that they have a good chance of being found innocent.
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Yep. And I think they clearly have the upper hand at this time (closing arguments today).
Apple never had to make the case "there was no conspiracy" only "Apple did not conspire". The fact that they negotiated with the publishers individually, argued over different terms...sure makes it difficult to prove a conspiracy.
Apple also did not have to defend the raising of ebook prices. It's the publishers who set prices...Apple need only set things up to make it possible to sell ebooks at a profit. The Most Favored Nation clause does that. Now it doesn't matter to Apple whether or not Amazon sells books at a loss...Apple could match the prices and still make money.
The publishers ALREADY had a reason to resent Amazon's predatory pricing completely without Apple.
Basically Amazon made it such that NOBODY BUT AMAZON could afford to sell ebooks.
Of couse, I don't expect anyone's opinion to change.