Monday, March 20, 2006
France Law Continues to Evolve Towards iTunes Showdown
Posted by Jason Dunn in "NEWS" @ 02:31 PM
"Apple Computer Inc. faces a serious challenge in France as lawmakers move to sever the umbilical cord between its iPod music player and iTunes online store — threatening its lucrative hold on both markets. Amendments to an online copyright bill, adopted early Friday, would give rivals access to the hitherto-exclusive file formats at the heart of Apple's music business model, as well as Sony Corp.'s (SNE) Walkman players and Connect store. According to the latest amendments, however, copy-protection technologies like Apple's FairPlay format and Sony's ATRAC3 must work with competing services and players. Companies that refuse to share all essential information with any rival that requests it would be ordered to do so by a judge, under threat of fines."
An interesting development to say the least - this is what I thought the law was originally set up to do, but it looks like this amendment is the final tweak that puts Apple's head in a vice. I wonder how they'll respond?
An interesting development to say the least - this is what I thought the law was originally set up to do, but it looks like this amendment is the final tweak that puts Apple's head in a vice. I wonder how they'll respond?
