Update — Apple’s statement via CNBC: “We thank the jury for their service and we applaud their verdict.”
A jury has decided that Apple is not guilty of violating antitrust laws in the decade-old lawsuit involving the iPod, iTunes Music Store, and digital rights management usage. The jury had to determine if the iTunes updates affecting customers’ iPods were “genuine product improvements” with Apple citing security concerns for implementing the usage of DRM.
Had the jury decided Apple did violate antitrust laws through its practices, the company could have been responsible for damages of up to $1 billion.
However, Apple argued throughout the trial that it had to implement the use of strict DRM when syncing music with the iPod from iTunes to avoid piracy. Apple maintained its position that its practices were intended to ensure security on its part due to its commitment with the music industry to safely distribute digital music.
From its start, the trial was an interesting showcase from the courtroom with a video taped deposition of Steve Jobs showing the late Apple co-founder taking a jab at Real Networks in 2011, plaintiffs being ejected from the trial due to iPods not qualifying for the class action lawsuit, and the case almost being thrown out before it reached the jury.
The jury’s decision finding Apple not guilty of violating antitrust laws was unanimous.
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Now we just need for the “plaintiffs” to pay Apple’s attorneys fees.
Congrats Apple !!! Innovation continues by Apple !!!
Honestly, did people not already see that this was just a bunch of shyster lawyers trying to get a pay day? Here’s hoping the judge makes the plaintifs and lawyers pay all of Apple’s legal fees!
Not Liable. Guilt is for criminal cases, not civil cases.
Don’t rely on this site to understand the US criminal justice system.
But we can rely on you to spread PAID SPAM all over it.
Hopefully this is the final nail in the coffin of RealNetworks or whatever the trolls may be called now!
Thank You Justice
They weren’t even represented in this case. Their software and reverse-engineered version of FairPlay DRM was simply used as the main plank in the prosecuting attorneys’ case against Apple.
That said, if the decision went the other way, RealNetworks would likely be waiting in the wings to pounce on the chance to sue Apple for denial of trade or some similar perceived injustice
Good news.
I’m so happy Apple won! We have to fight piracy with everything we have! Go Apple!