Apple in court for a e-book trial

NEW YORK - Agence France-Presse

This file photo shows another lawsuit Aplle faced last week. AP photo

Apple goes on the defensive today with the start of a trial in which US officials allege the company was the “ringmaster” of a conspiracy to raise prices of electronic books.

In the trial opens in US District Court in New York, the technology icon is going solo in its fight against the US Justice Department after five large publishers named in the lawsuit settled the charges.

US antitrust watchdogs allege Apple orchestrated a collusive shakeup of the ebook business in early 2010 that resulted in higher prices.

Apple is expected to argue its actions shook up a sector that had been dominated by Amazon, and that it boosted competition and improved conditions for consumers.

Early signals suggest the three-week, non-jury trial could be a tough ride for Apple, which has been struggling of late amid a dearth of new products and recent allegations that it avoided billions in taxes.

Five publishers originally named as defendants reached settlements in which they agreed to terminate their ebook agreements with Apple.