Apple Seeks Dismissal of Antitrust Lawsuit in New Jersey Court

Apple Inc. has requested a federal judge in New Jersey to dismiss a high-profile antitrust lawsuit filed by U.S. federal and state regulators. According to Reuters, the lawsuit accuses Apple of monopolizing the smartphone market through restrictive practices. The company contends that the case represents an attempt to impose a “judicial redesign” of its iPhone technology.

The Justice Department, along with 19 states and Washington, D.C., has alleged that Apple engages in illegal monopolistic behavior by imposing contractual restrictions on developers and limiting their access to crucial technologies. In a motion submitted to the court in Newark, New Jersey, Apple argued that placing “reasonable limitations” on third-party developers does not constitute anti-competitive conduct.

Per Reuters, U.S. District Judge Julien Neals, who is overseeing the case, will review responses from both the government and Apple before making a decision on the motion later this year. Apple’s legal team highlighted in court that the company faces significant competition from global smartphone manufacturers, including Google and Samsung.

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The filing also challenges the lawsuit’s claim that Apple’s actions have negatively impacted consumers. According to Apple, the complaint fails to demonstrate any substantial harm to consumers, a crucial element in antitrust cases. “It is implausible to claim, as the government does, that Apple has deterred any customers from switching to Google or Samsung due to its policies,” the company stated in its motion.

The lawsuit, filed in March, accuses Apple of obstructing rivals by restricting their access to hardware and software features on its devices. Antitrust enforcers allege that Apple has used its control over app distribution to stifle innovations that could make it easier for consumers to switch phones.

Source: Reuters