I am more interested in the end results but...
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/26/technology/26cnd-apple.html?ex=1316923200&en=c32de7f333fbb916&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rssEuropean negotiators said they made “surprising progress” in talks today with Apple Computer over easing the restrictions it imposes on users of its iTunes service, by far the dominant seller of downloaded music.
But a full resolution of the dispute could require Apple to make major changes in the iTunes business model.
Officials of four Nordic countries have threatened to impose heavy fines on Apple because iTunes prevents customers from using the songs they buy on music devices that compete with Apple’s iPod players. The officials say that restriction and other aspects of the way iTunes works violate consumer protection laws in the four countries — Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.
“Our meeting was much more constructive than I expected it would be,” said Bjorn Erik Thon, director of the Norwegian consumer ombudsman’s office, which has taken the lead in the talks. “We argued and did not agree on a lot, but we discussed all issues
I wonder if things will be so cosy when it comes down to the hard details of the deal ?
I think we will see Apple crying foul once again as is the norm theses days, like MS it is rather overprotective of its goods because it enjoys a near monopoly position, perhaps all that will change if theses countries decide they wont play ball.
