In a new interview with Fortune, Apple’s SVP of Internet and Software Services Eddy Cue opened up about Apple’s ongoing ebooks litigation ahead of the company’s December 15th appearance before a federal appeals court. Apple formally appealed the ebooks antitrust ruling earlier this year after a judge ruled in favor of the Department of Justice in 2013 claiming that Apple conspired with ebook publishers to raise prices.
Earlier last month, U.S. District Judge Denise Cote approved a $450 million settlement under which Apple will not be forced to pay any fees if it wins the upcoming appeal. If Apple does not win its appeal, it will be subject to a $450 million payout, $50 of which will cover legal fees with the remaining balance going to a consumer fund. (Apple will be subject to a $70 million pay out with $50 million intended for the consumer fund if the original verdict is overturned but the case is sent back.)
During the interview, Cue discussed increasing book prices in light of the case against it that it conspired with publishers to raise prices:
Cue shared his recount of pitching the iBook Store to then-Apple CEO Steve Jobs after using a prototype version of the iPad before its launch:
The full article from Fortune is well worth a read ahead of Apple’s upcoming appeal later this month.
