ROME , — Italy’s antitrust watchdog has issued a fine of more than 200,000,000 euros ($225M) to Apple and Amazon for collaborating to limit competition in the sale Beats and Apple branded products. This is in violation of EU rules.
A 2018 agreement between U.S. tech giants restricted access to Italy’s Amazon marketplace for select resellers. The Italian Competition Authority stated Tuesday.
Apple was fined 134.5 million euros ($151.32million) and Amazon was penalized with a 68.7million euro ($77.29million) by the watchdog. They were also directed to remove the restrictions and allow resellers access in an “non-discriminatory” manner.
Both Amazon and Apple said that they would be appealing to customers.
Amazon stated that the proposed fine was excessive and unjustified. We reject the suggestion by the ICA that Amazon gains from excluding sellers in our store. Our business model is dependent on their success.
Apple stated that it respects the Italian Competition Authority, but believes we have not done anything wrong.
Apple stated that customers can be assured of their safety by working with select resellers to ensure genuine products.
Apple stated that non-genuine products can lead to a poor user experience, and are often dangerous. We work closely with reseller partners to ensure that our customers buy genuine products. We have dedicated teams of experts all over the globe who work with law enforcement and customs to ensure genuine Apple products are sold.