After the dismissal of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s appeal to dismiss the antitrust suit concerning its iPod product, a new lead client has surfaced up to represent the plaintiffs fighting for damage claims affecting up to 8 million customers.
Barbara Ragan Bennett is the new client claiming that the iPod maker made it difficult for her to enjoy her favorite music. The plaintiffs now need to prove that Bennett purchased her iPod in 2006 and make her the lead client against the iPhone maker. Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is the law firm representing over 8 million consumers affected by Apple’s faulty digital music policies. Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, U.S. District Judge, will wait to hear Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s opinion about the suitability of Bennett as the lead client.
According to Bennett, she had to copy songs into her laptop before putting them into the iPod because of the unavailability of her desired music. The practices of the iPod maker cost her money and time, which is somehow the most important basis of the case accusing Apple of using anticompetitive techniques for its digital music. Bennett emailed the judge about her availability for the case.
In its defense, Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) claimed that by making modifications in digital music files, the company saved its consumers against hacking attacks. On the contrary, the plaintiffs call these practices anticompetitive and used only to restrict users to iTunes. Further, the iPod maker monopolized digital music market and gave no choice to its customers.
Another case against the iPhone maker accused the company for deleting music from users’ iPods as it was downloaded from other sources. Further, the plaintiffs in the lawsuit are claiming that Apple Inc charged $350 million above the rightful cost of the digital music and if proven guilty, the company might have to pay claims in access of $1 billion.
This article has been written by Prakash Pandey.
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