Chinese app developers launch Apple antitrust suit

Apple is facing accusations of anti-competitive behavior in China. The case filed with Chinese regulators alleges that Apple is abusing its control of the iOS App Store to mistreat Chinese app developers by removing their apps without good reason and levying a high charge for in-app purchases, the Financial Times reports. “[Apple founder] Steve Jobs represented the American dream. But Apple’s unequal treatment of China’s young developers stops them from realizing their China dream,” said Lin Wei, lawyer at Dare & Sure, a Beijing-based law firm that brought the case on Tuesday on behalf of 28 developers. China made more money for Apple’s App Store last year than any other country, according to market research firm IDC. Lin, as well as other experts, says that it appears the company’s App Store has no legal registration in China, which would mean it does not have the licenses legally required for providing internet content.