Amazon Ebook Contracts Face EU Antitrust Probe

The European Commission has opened a formal investigation into Amazon's ebook distribution practices. Initially, the EC's investigation will focus on the largest markets for ebooks in the European Economic Area, namely ebooks in English and German. Amazon remains the largest distributor of ebooks in Europe.

Specifically, the EC said today it intends to investigate certain clauses contained in Amazon's contracts with publishers that it says appear to shield the business from competition by requiring Amazon is given -

• the right to be informed of more favourable or alternative terms offered to its competitors;