Many people are unaware that most, if not all, states have their own antitrust laws that they can enforce. These laws are separate and distinct from Federal antitrust laws. If the Federal Government won’t bring an antitrust case there is nothing from stopping a state from doing so.
Well, Publishers Lunch is reporting that the Texas Attorney General’s office is engaged in preliminary questioning regarding pricing of ebooks and Apple’s entry into the market. Publishers Lunch is reporting that the investigation began in early April. No more details are available.
Three cheers for the great state of Texas. Let’s just hope the Fed’s sit up and take notice as well.
Thanks, Paul. Lots more details are available–and published–in our behind-the-paywall version.
@John Hagewood: Don’t hold your breath waiting for the FTC to side with Texas. In the Leegin (2007) case that re-opened the door to resale price maintenance, the FTC filed an amicus brief in favor of resale price maintenance.