Apple seeks dismissal of DOJ's lawsuit accusing unfair business practices
Apple has asked a US judge to dismiss an antitrust lawsuit from the Department of Justice (DOJ), which accuses it of preventing rivals from accessing hardware and software features on its devices. The tech giant's legal team argued that the lawsuit does not show how Apple's alleged monopoly has harmed consumers or developers. The case, brought by President Joe Biden's administration and attorneys general from 19 states, accuses Apple of using its app distribution and iPhone control to stifle competition.
Defense against monopoly allegations
Apple's lawyers have called for the case dismissal, arguing the government has failed to prove Apple has a monopoly in smartphone market or that any harm has been caused. They also argued that Apple is legally entitled to choose its business partners and isn't required to improve its competitors' prospects. "The fundamental problem with the government's allegations is that they don't include facts that link the challenged conduct to any harm to smartphone users," said Devora Allon, attorney for Apple.
US Justice Department's stance on Apple's business practices
The Justice Department and a number of US states have accused Apple of failing to support cross-platform messaging apps, limiting third-party digital wallets and non-Apple smartwatches, and blocking mobile cloud streaming services. "Apple is litigating a ghost complaint based on rules of law that don't exist," said Jonathan Lasken, a Justice Department attorney. He further argued while Apple can compete on merits, it can't use its monopoly to prevent others from competing.
Business modifications and future legal proceedings
Apple has already made some changes to its operations, including adding support for cloud-based gaming services and RCS messaging. Craig Primis, another lawyer for Apple, argued that antitrust law allows companies like Apple to choose their business partners and set the terms of their agreements. US District Judge Julien Xavier Neals has said he aims to decide on Apple's request to dismiss the case by January next year.
