Apple Rejects DOJ's Attempt to Block Document Discovery in Antitrust Case

Background on Antitrust Case and Discovery

In March 2024, the Department of Justice filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple. As part of its defense, Apple secured a court decision allowing it to request documents from 14 US federal agencies. This discovery aims to show that federal agencies chose Apple products for privacy features, which Apple believes supports its argument that its practices are legitimate, not anticompetitive.

DOJ's Challenge to Discovery Ruling

Following Apple's success in obtaining discovery rights, the DOJ filed a motion asking the special discovery master, retired federal judge Jose Linares, to reconsider his decision. The DOJ argues that Judge Linares applied an incorrect legal standard by treating the agencies as parties to the case rather than non-parties, who are entitled to greater protection from discovery. The DOJ also claims Apple's requests would impose an undue burden on these agencies and that the documents have limited relevance because federal agencies are not "ordinary consumers."

Apple's Response to DOJ's Motion

Apple has publicly responded to the DOJ's motion, refuting each of the DOJ's arguments. Apple cites previous cases to support its position that the special master correctly applied the legal standard for party discovery. This ongoing dispute highlights a key procedural battle within the larger antitrust case.