switzerland.jpgSwitzerland is looking at reinstating its fixed book price law. This law, like those in France, Germany and Italy, restricts the sale of books below the publisher’s recommended price. The rationale is to support independent booksellers, small publishers and chains that have to compete with Amazon.

There is currently some dispute as to whether the new law should apply to online book retailers. More info here.

3 COMMENTS

  1. We’ve seen this in Germany and Australia, where book selling is under strict state controls. I understand it as an attempt to “preserve their culture” (we see that with the French a lot), but in the end it doesn’t really work. Australia is now dealing with this (I think you posted on this blog about it) in an upcoming national conference, and New Zealand has been overwhelmed by Amazon as well.

    But, after a few years of transition and a continuing explosion in ebooks, this will fade. If nothing else, piracy will force it to end. But, I expect the government to see the error of its ways and, perhaps, just tax the sales.

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