U.S. Department of Justice vs. Apple: Cupertino Giant Might Be Forced to Defend its Business For Upcoming Years

Joseph Henry, Tech Times 22 March 2024, 09:03 am

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) initiated legal action against Apple, alleging the tech giant exploited the iPhone's market dominance to stifle competition.

This lawsuit marks the beginning of a protracted legal process that could potentially reshape Apple's business model and impact the broader technology industry.

For the years to come, if Apple is proven to be anti-competitive and monopolistic in its iPhone products, it's on the verge of facing numerous legal battles that will come its way for the next years.

Implications of DOJ Lawsuit

If the DOJ succeeds in its lawsuit, it could compel significant changes within Apple's business operations. Remedies may include structural alterations or even the breakup of the company. On the other hand, should Apple's defense prevail, it could challenge the notion of its market monopoly and evade stringent regulatory measures.

With that being said, the iPhone maker should go all-in to defend its stand on the lawsuit. It's a make-or-break it situation for the company whose fate is resting on a pendulum.

Expect to See Lengthy Legal Process Ahead

The legal battle between Apple and the DOJ is expected to extend over several years, involving extensive legal proceedings and deliberations.

Assigning the case to a judge, procedural motions, and potential trial delays may postpone the resolution until at least 2025, with appeals prolonging the process until 2027, CNBC writes in its report.

Past Landmark Trials

Similar antitrust cases, such as Google's litigation initiated in 2020, demonstrate the prolonged nature of such legal disputes. The DOJ's case against Apple draws inspiration from past landmark trials, notably the 1998 lawsuit against Microsoft.

By scrutinizing Apple's ecosystem rather than specific products, the DOJ aims to establish new antitrust precedents.

Legal and Operational Obstacles Are Underway

Apple faces significant challenges, both legally and operationally, as it navigates the lawsuit. A public trial could divert executive attention, disrupt business operations, and tarnish the company's reputation. Moreover, compliance with legal proceedings and the disclosure of internal documents may pose further hurdles.

Potential Regulatory Repercussions

While the DOJ has not specified remedies, potential measures include mandating third-party access to the iPhone ecosystem and addressing alleged restrictions on competing products.

The outcome of the trial may influence regulatory frameworks globally, shaping the future of smart devices and digital markets.

"In general, defendants love to drag their heels forever. Is the judge going to go with what the defendant proposes, which is inevitably years and years, tons and tons of discovery? Drag it out forever? Or they can actually step up and try to control that?" former DOJ Attorney John Newman said.

Legal Proceedings

Apple will likely engage in discovery processes, providing access to internal documents and potentially exposing confidential information. Executive depositions, including CEO Tim Cook, may offer critical insights but carry inherent risks. Settlement negotiations remain a possibility, albeit with no indication of progress thus far.

The legal showdown between Apple and the DOJ is something we are about to witness for years. It will never be an easy fight for the tech giant that is hellbent on saving its name for the sake of business and glory.

We first reported in 2021 that the DOJ will "likely" push through the iPhone monopoly lawsuit against Apple. Three years later, it happened and it is projected to impact the other companies in the tech space.