DGCCRF is investigating clauses in Apple's contracts - such as sales volume requirements and restrictions on adverts - amidst reported complaints about the sway Apple holds in negotiations. Given the popularity of Apple's iPhone products, a mobile carrier would be at a severe competitive disadvantage if they did not offer them, giving Apple quite a lot of authority when it gets down to the details.
Clearly, France's competition authorities suspects this influence damages competition in the marketplace and probably hurts consumers in the long run.
This latest development adds to a growing number of headaches Apple is experiencing in France and indeed, the wider European market. The European Union is already probing potential antitrust violations in the market involving the distribution of Apple's i-devices.
In July, its offices in France were searched in an investigation into its relationship with wholesalers.
Written by: James Delahunty @ 26 Sep 2013 2:09
