NMa: no tying of sales Apple iPod and iTunes services

The Netherlands Competition Authority (NMa) has concluded that Apple is not engaging in what are known as 'tying practices' linking its sales of the portable music player iPod to music services provided by its online music store iTunes. 'Consumers who purchase music via Apple's internet store are able to – and are permitted to – play this music on other players than an iPod,' explains René Jansen, member of the Board of the NMa. 'Furthermore, consumers may transfer music files bought from other online music stores to an iPod. There is no question of a tying arrangement.' The NMa reached this conclusion after looking into a complaint lodged by the Consumentenbond, the Dutch consumers' association, on the issue of Apple's alleged abuse of a dominant position. The NMa has dismissed the complaint.

This decision is part of a range of activities undertaken by the NMa in the media and communications sector, which is listed as a prioritised area of activity in the NMa Agenda 2007.