Amazon Japan offices raided in antitrust case

TOKYO, JAPAN: Japan's fair trade watchdog raided the offices of Amazon Japan over allegations that it improperly pressured retailers that sold products on its site, local media said on Monday, 8 August 2016.

The Japanese unit of the US-based internet retailer forced conditions such as requiring retailers to sell products below the price they advertised on rival sites, the Nikkei business daily said.

Japan's Fair Trade Commission declined to confirm the report, but added that it was "not incorrect".

Amazon Japan did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Last year, the European Union's antitrust watchdog opened a formal investigation into Amazon's ebook distribution.

The case centred on clauses Amazon had with publishers which may shield the company from competitors, including an obligation to be informed of more favourable terms being offered by rivals.

Source: AFP via I-Net Bridge