Connecticut consumers will receive up to $1.3 million, following a settlement with three publishers over eBook price-fixing allegations.
Hachette Book Group Inc., HarperCollins Publishers L.L.C. and Simon & Schuster Inc. agreed to pay more than $69 million to resolve antitrust claims. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Justice announced an investigation against the three companies as well as Apple, Macmillan and Penguin, which were not part of the settlement.
“While publishers are entitled to their profits, consumers are equally entitled to a fair and open marketplace,” said Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen, in a prepared statement. “This settlement ”¦ will restore competition in the eBook market.”
Along with Texas, Jepsen”™s office took the lead in working with DOJ on the investigation.
If a judge approves the settlement, Hachette, HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster will compensate consumers who purchased eBooks between April 1, 2010 and May 21, 2012. Payments will begin 30 days after court approval of the settlement becomes final.
