US appeals court to consider reviving Apple app store class action
A US appeals court will review a decision that blocked a class action lawsuit accusing Apple of monopolizing its app store and overcharging customers.Summary
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will consider whether to reinstate a class action lawsuit against Apple, alleging the company illegally monopolized the app market and inflated prices for customers. A trial judge previously decertified the class, stating the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate a reliable method for calculating damages across nearly 200 million consumers. The lawsuit, originally filed in 2011, claims Apple’s control over app downloads and transactions led to overcharges for apps and in-app content on iPhones and iPads. Plaintiffs argue the decertification ruling is flawed and threatens similar claims, while Apple maintains it did not violate antitrust laws and that individual claims can still be pursued. The case, *In re Apple iPhone Antitrust Litigation*, is being closely watched as class action suits can result in significantly higher damages than individual lawsuits.
(Source：Reuters)