DoJ, 16 State AGs Bring Antitrust Suit Against Apple Over App Distribution, API Control

The U.S. Department of Justice and 16 state attorneys general filed an antitrust complaint against Apple, Inc., on March 21 in U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, alleging that the company had engaged in anti-competitive practices to leverage and maintain its dominance in the smartphone market, harming consumers, competition, and third-party app developers. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D., Minn.), chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee's competition policy, antitrust, and consumer rights subcommittee, said, "As the gatekeeper controlling the smartphones used by more than half of all Americans, Apple has restricted consumer choice, raised prices, and preferenced its own products and services - reducing quality and innovation across the digital economy. [...]Computer & Communications Industry Association President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Schrucrs said, "U.S. antitrust law protects consumers from harmful practices, but this complaint takes aim at design choices that have produced a product beloved by consumers.