Japan is Investigating Apple for Violating Its Antimonopoly Rules

Apple is being investigated for abusing its power in violation of Japan's antimonopoly rules, reports the Mainichi newspaper via Reuters.

Japan’s FTC survey of companies showed that Apple had signed contracts forcing firms to provide free technology and know-how to its affiliates for parts manufacturing, the Mainichi said. It also pressured some suppliers to lower components prices and prohibited them from selling parts and technology to other companies, while requiring them to shoulder the costs of any unforeseen issues, the newspaper said, citing unnamed sources.

According to the report, when a company called Apple's behavior an infringement of intellectual property rights and demand a revision, Apple threatened to end their business relationship.


The FTC previously investigated Apple for forcing Japanese carriers to only sell iPhones with subsidies, potentially prevented them from offering lower monthly charges and restricting competition. To end the investigation, Apple agreed to revise its contracts and allow carriers to sell iPhones without subsidies.

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