Apple Sued For Monopolizing MP3 Music Player Market
Apple on Tuesday was sued in Arkansas by Luxpro Corp., a Taiwanese electronics company, for contract interference, attempted monopolization of the MP3 player market, unfair competition, and commercial disparagement.
The lawsuit represents a continuation of a long-running legal fight between Apple and Luxpro. It alleges that Apple has used illegal tactics, such pressuring Luxpro's retail partners to stop selling Luxpro music players, in an attempt to monopolize the MP3 music player market.
Luxpro was founded in December of 2002. In January of 2004, it launched its EZ Share MP3 player and introduced subsequent models after that. In March, 2005, the company showed its Super Shuffle MP3 player at the CeBit trade show in Hanover, Germany. The device's similarity to Apple's iPod Shuffle, in terms of looks and name, prompted Apple to seek an injunction against Luxpro.
