Apple: DOJ’s latest challenge in antitrust case ‘fails at every level’

“Apple is fighting a Department of Justice motion that seeks to overturn a judge’s order allowing the company to request documents from 14 federal agencies as part of its antitrust defense. Apple argues the agencies can provide evidence that its privacy‑focused products were chosen for legitimate reasons, weakening the DOJ’s claim of anticompetitive behavior. The DOJ contends the discovery request misapplies legal standards, imposes undue burden, and lacks relevance because agencies are not typical consumers. Judge Jose Linares must now decide whether to uphold his original discovery order or grant the DOJ’s reconsideration request. Expert Analysis: The dispute underscores how tech firms are leveraging government procurement records to justify product differentiation, a tactic that could set a precedent for future antitrust defenses. If Apple succeeds, it may make it harder for regulators to prove anticompetitive intent without direct evidence of market harm, potentially reshaping enforcement strategies in the U.S. tech sector.”