In a decision that could reshape how books are sold on the Internet, a federal judge ruled that Apple Inc conspired to raise the retail prices of e-books in violation of antitrust law, and called for a trial on damages.

The decision by U.S. District Judge Denise Cote in Manhattan is a victory for the U.S. government and various states, which the judge said are entitled to injunctive relief.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

Cote issued her 159-page decision after a non-jury trial that ended on June 20.

Update:
Apple has made a statement:

“Apple did not conspire to fix ebook pricing and we will continue to fight against these false accusations”. “When we introduced the iBookstore in 2010, we gave customers more choice, injecting much needed innovation and competition into the market, breaking Amazon’s monopolistic grip on the publishing industry.”

“We’ve done nothing wrong and we will appeal the judge’s decision”.