French Lawmakers OK Bill on iTunes, iPods

Iria · Mar 21, 2006, 09:55 PM

PARIS Mar 21, 2006 (AP)— French lawmakers approved an online copyright bill Tuesday that would require Apple to break open the exclusive format behind its market-leading iTunes music store and iPod players.

The draft law which also introduces new penalties for music pirates would force Apple Computer Inc., Sony Corp. and others to share proprietary copy-protection technologies so that rivals can offer compatible services and players.

Lawmakers in the National Assembly, France's lower house, approved the bill 296-193. The legislation now has to be debated and voted by the Senate a process expected to begin in May.

Apple has so far refused to comment on the bill or on analysts' suggestions that the Cupertino, Calif.-based company might choose to withdraw from the French online music market rather than share the proprietary technology at the heart of its business model. Representatives for Apple France did not return calls Tuesday.
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Read More / Source: ABC News

Mar 21, 2006, 09:55 PM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 87	French Lawmakers OK Bill on iTunes, iPods PARIS Mar 21, 2006 (AP)— French lawmakers approved an online copyright bill Tuesday that would require Apple to break open the exclusive format behind its market-leading iTunes music store and iPod players. The draft law which also introduces new penalties for music pirates would force Apple Computer Inc., Sony Corp. and others to share proprietary copy-protection technologies so that rivals can offer compatible services and players. Lawmakers in the National Assembly, France's lower house, approved the bill 296-193. The legislation now has to be debated and voted by the Senate a process expected to begin in May. Apple has so far refused to comment on the bill or on analysts' suggestions that the Cupertino, Calif.-based company might choose to withdraw from the French online music market rather than share the proprietary technology at the heart of its business model. Representatives for Apple France did not return calls Tuesday. ___________ Read More / Source: ABC News