Apple Gets Favorable Jury Verdict In iPod Trial--Update

By Daisuke Wakabayashi 

A jury ruled in favor of Apple Inc. on Tuesday in a class-action lawsuit that accused the technology giant of violating antitrust laws by suppressing competition for its iPod music players.

After deliberating for only a few hours, an eight-person jury in U.S. District Court in Oakland, Calif., found that Apple's iTunes 7.0 was a genuine product improvement, and therefore not a violation of antitrust laws. The decision was unanimous.

The plaintiffs had said Apple made changes to its iTunes music service so that iPods wouldn't operate with other companies' products, driving up the cost of the devices. The plaintiffs, representing an alleged eight million harmed consumers, were seeking $350 million in damages, which could have been tripled under antitrust laws.

Patrick Coughlin, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said they plan to appeal the decision.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs had argued that Apple issued software updates to cut off competitors' attempts to market products compatible with Apple's iPod.

As in other class-action cases, Apple's adversaries cited emails from former Chief Executive Steve Jobs, highlighting his competitive nature and moves he made to protect and promote Apple. The case included a video deposition from Mr. Jobs, who died in October 2011.

Write to Daisuke Wakabayashi at [e-mail]

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