Wasden: Consumers to start receiving Apple e-book credits

Attorney General Lawrence Wasden says hundreds of Idaho consumers who purchased e-books should begin receiving credits this week.

The credits are the result of a price-fixing lawsuit Idaho and 32 other states filed against Apple, Inc. for conspiring to artificially inflate e-book prices with five major publishers.

Apple’s share of the credits — estimated at $400 million nationwide and about $2 million for Idaho consumers — comes after the U.S. Supreme Court denied a review of a lower court decision finding Apple in violation of antitrust laws, Wasden said.

The five publishers also agreed to provide credits to consumers. In 2014, the publishers distributed approximately $166 million in compensation nationwide, including about $800,000 to Idaho e-book buyers.

“It’s great news that Idaho consumers are finally getting some compensation from this case,” Attorney General Wasden said. “Idaho consumers spend significant amounts of money on e-books, and when those costs are inflated by anti-competitive practices, it’s my duty to protect consumers and make sure they are compensated for this unlawful activity.”

Distribution of payments is expected to begin June 21.