Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) recently got hit with another lawsuit, and this time it’s over the iPhone. The lawsuit alleged that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) didn’t receive consent from their customers to lock their iPhones exclusively to AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), which violates antitrust laws and Sherman’s Act.
This lawsuit, which originated back in 2007, when Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) introduced the iPhone, clearly states, “Through these actions, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has unlawfully stifled competition, reduced output and consumer choice, and artificially increased prices in the aftermarkets for iPhone voice and data services.”
It’s reported that Buchar and Ward chose to sue Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) instead of AT&T, because the latter was involved in a similar lawsuit, where the Supreme Court ruled in their favor. Apple’s opponents are asking that the courts force the world’s most valuable company to unlock all codes upon request, with no regards to their current status with AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), and compensation for monetary damages.
The iPhones sold through AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) are locked within the carrier. This means that if users want to keep their phone and switch carriers, they’ll have to get their phone unlocked. Although the large carrier doesn’t charge to unlock their phones, they still limit this to users who have successfully completed their contract obligations.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has yet to make an official statement.
This upcoming lawsuit should turn out to be rather interesting, considering that the target is Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and there is a definite interest in financial compensation. It’s too early to predict the outcome of this pending litigation and we don’t have a whole lot of details, but it would be surprising if Apple won this case. It looks like this case could be a bit problematic from the start. Why go after just Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) when you could go after AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), or both companies? There are still many questions that remain unanswered.
