
A reduction in the price of e-books
for consumer in the EU is foreseen following an investigation by the European
Commission on the price fixing of e-books. Concessions have been made by the
leading e-book publishers in order to avoid financial sanctions. Apple had sold
e-books at set prices on their stores but according to agreements, other
distributors would not be allowed to sell at a lower price. This goes against
EU competition rules which ultimately could lead to higher costs for the
consumer.
The Commission is currently gathering information from the publishing
sector so that they can make a preliminary assessment of proposed remedies
before they will launch a test on the market which should result in the
conclusion of the investigation. However, in the US three major e-book
publishers will be taken to court by the US competition authorities after they
refused to reach a compromise. A hearing has been scheduled for June
2013.
For more information please visit: http://ec.europa.eu/competition/elojade/isef/case_details.cfm?proc_code=1_39847