In a legal battle spanning several years, Amazon finds itself at the center of a lawsuit accusing the tech giant of colluding with major American publishing houses to maintain high prices for ebooks, raising concerns about monopolistic practices. While publishers are sidelined from the proceedings, the allegations persist.
The legal saga began in January and March 2021 when Hagens Berman, a law firm, initiated two separate lawsuits in American courts. The first lawsuit targeted Amazon alongside five major publishers — Hachette, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Simon & Schuster, Penguin Random House — alleging collusion on ebook prices, while the second focused on online sales conditions for print books and wholesale pricing agreements with retailers.
However, both lawsuits were dismissed in September 2022 for lack of substantial evidence. Nevertheless, a window of opportunity remained for the plaintiffs to amend their claims.
Seizing this opportunity, Hagens Berman shifted its focus towards Amazon’s ebook pricing by the end of 2022. The subsequent lawsuit alleged that Amazon’s dominant position in the ebook market allowed it to “coerce” publishers into accepting contractual terms that limited price competition and availability.
It’s claimed that Amazon ensured higher margins for itself without overtly charging higher prices compared to its competitors. Consumers behind the lawsuit feel deceived, arguing that their ebook purchases were more expensive due to Amazon’s alleged monopoly and pricing strategies.
Judge Valerie Figueredo, tasked with evaluating the credibility of the plaintiffs’ arguments, showed more leniency towards this new lawsuit. While she found the depicted situation “plausible,” she dismissed the notion of a “conspiracy” between Amazon and publishers.
On March 4, Judge Gregory Woods of the Manhattan district pronounced his verdict on the latest lawsuit, significantly narrowing its scope based on Judge Figueredo’s recommendations. He permitted the consideration of claims from only two out of fifteen plaintiffs cited by Hagens Berman.
Judge Woods ruled that only consumers who purchased ebooks from Amazon could potentially sue the company for anti-competitive behavior and excessive pricing. The other thirteen plaintiffs had indeed purchased ebooks, but from competitors such as Apple and Barnes & Noble.
The publishers named in the lawsuit — Hachette, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Simon & Schuster, Penguin Random House — were entirely excluded from the proceedings by the court, as reported by Reuters. The possibility of collusion between these publishers and Amazon failed to convince the judiciary.
Notably, in 2011, Hagens Berman successfully prosecuted another tech giant, Apple, for similar allegations of ebook price-fixing, involving many of the same publishers. Apple was ordered to reimburse consumers $400 million, while the publishers reached a settlement with the authorities for $166 million.
Discover the latest trends in ebook consumption with the newest insights from Kobo’s annual book report tailored for Australian readers. Despite rumors of declining ebook sales, the data reveals a different story for Australian bookworms. Dive into the world of digital reading on LastEbooks.com, where Australians are embracing ebooks more than ever.
According to Kobo’s findings released in February, Australians have shown an increased appetite for ebooks in 2023. From the captivating autobiography of Prince Harry’s Spare to the gripping narratives of romance, biography, mystery, business, and economics, our readers have indulged in a diverse array of literary genres. With a cumulative reading time of 1430 years in 2023 alone, it’s evident that reading remains a beloved pastime in Australian culture.
Delve deeper into the preferences of Australian readers with insights into the most popular reading times, ranging from 9 pm to 11 pm. Michael Tamblyn, CEO of Rakuten Kobo, emphasizes the significance of reading during uncertain times, noting how literature serves as a refuge for many.
Moreover, the influence of popular culture, including hit films like Barbie and Oppenheimer, has sparked increased interest in related topics among readers. From exploring the depths of history to immersing oneself in fictional realms, the allure of ebooks continues to grow.
In the realm of social media, platforms like TikTok wield considerable influence over reading choices, with authors such as Sarah J Maas, Jennifer L Armentrout, and Colleen Hoover capturing the attention of Australian readers.
Join the literary journey of 2023’s bestselling ebooks in Australia, featuring captivating titles like :
Revolutionary Spring: Fighting for a New World 1848-1849
Tell Me How This Ends by Jo Leevers
The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson
Eye for An Eye by M.J. Arlidge
Simply Lies: from the number one bestselling author of The 6:20 Man
From thrilling adventures to thought-provoking narratives, LastEbooks.com offers a treasure trove of digital reads for every discerning reader.
Amazon has recently offered a rare discount on the Kindle lineup, specifically the Kindle Paperwhite Kids model. This version comes with 16GB of storage and is currently priced at $129.99, marking a $40 reduction from its original price and a generous 24% discount.
The discounted price applies to two themes: Emerald Forest and Robot Dreams. However, there’s also a Warrior Cats themed model priced slightly higher at $139.99, still offering a 22% discount from its regular price of $179.99.
Despite the external theme differences, the core Kindle device remains unchanged, featuring a 6.8-inch E Ink display with a sharp 300 PPI resolution and integrated front light for comfortable reading in any lighting conditions. Additionally, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids model boasts a waterproof design and up to 10 weeks of battery life on a single charge.
A standout feature of the Kids model is the included one-year subscription to Amazon Kids Plus, providing access to a vast library of e-books, audiobooks, videos, games, apps, and Alexa skills tailored for young readers. After the free year ends, a monthly fee of $4.99 plus tax applies.
Furthermore, the e-reader includes Vocabulary Builder and Word Wise features to aid in language development, along with a 2-year worry-free guarantee from Amazon, ensuring replacement in case of damage.
With its robust features and kid-friendly offerings, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids presents an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality e-reader, especially for young readers.
The concept of an e-book priced at $14,470 may seem extreme, but with “Enough”, it’s a reality. Positioned as the ultimate self-help guide promising to transform readers into billionaires, the book boasts a bold claim that might justify its hefty price tag for those seeking ultimate success.
What sets “Enough” apart is its interactive journey, starting with just two words and expanding dynamically as it guides readers through life-altering strategies. Emphasizing the value of time and mental clarity, the book pledges not just wealth but success in all aspects of life, from health to relationships.
A decade in the making, “Enough” assures relevance through constant review and updates, with a money-back guarantee if actionable results aren’t achieved within seven months. Available in both digital and print forms, the print edition is crafted from luxurious materials like gold and platinum, with NFC technology for digital connectivity.
The high price is attributed to the use of exclusive materials and the need for a high-caliber team to maintain and evolve the content. Each buyer receives personalized expert advice, elevating the book beyond a mere literary piece to a comprehensive life guide.
Ultimately, “Enough” represents a unique investment in personal growth and success, offering unparalleled support and guarantees for those willing to make the financial commitment.
After author Jane Friedman raised complaints, Amazon removed five books falsely listed as being authored by her, suspected to be generated by AI. The titles, including “How to Write and Publish an eBook Quickly and Make Money” and “A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Compelling eBooks, Building a Thriving Author Platform, and Maximizing Profitability”, mimicked Friedman’s real work on the publishing industry. The discovery was made when a reader noticed the fraudulent listings on Amazon and alerted Friedman.
Friedman expressed feeling violated by the low-quality material bearing her name. Suspecting AI involvement due to her familiarity with AI tools like ChatGPT, she took immediate action to have the titles removed. Despite Amazon’s initial response citing the lack of trademark on her name, the books were eventually taken down, possibly due to Friedman’s public outcry on social media.
Friedman emphasized the need for Amazon to establish policies preventing unauthorized uploads and urged platforms to verify authorship. This incident echoes similar cases of fraudulent titles on Amazon in the past, highlighting the importance of robust content guidelines and author protection measures.
An Amazon spokesperson assured their commitment to content guidelines and prompt investigation of concerns, emphasizing their efforts to maintain a trustworthy shopping experience and protect both customers and authors.
