Justices Seem Inclined to Allow iPhone App Suit Against Apple

Supreme Court justices appeared poised to allow an antitrust lawsuit that accuses Apple Inc. of using its market dominance to artificially inflate prices at its App Store.

Hearing arguments in Washington, justices from across the court’s ideological spectrum suggested skepticism about Apple’s contention that the consumers pressing the suit can’t collect damages.

Apple says that the case focuses on the commissions it charges app developers and that only the developers can complain about those fees.

Past Supreme Court decisions have said only direct purchasers can sue for damages. The consumers say they pay for the commissions through higher app prices. ...