Apple Doesn't Want Musicians to See Secret Steve Jobs Deposition

[Vehl]

Apple Doesn't Want Musicians to See Secret Steve Jobs Deposition

In bringing a class-action lawsuit against Universal Music over digital music revenues, musicians trigger a big objection from Apple.

Aftermath Records, a division of Universal Music Group, is about to go to trial in a case that will determine what money is owed over digital music to producers of many hit Eminem records. Meanwhile, in another case -- a class action against UMG brought by many musicians including Rob Zombie, the estate of Rick James, and others -- the plaintiffs are demanding to see trial exhibits, expert reports, depositions and other documents from the Eminem case. The discovery request has brought a strong objection from Apple Inc., which is trying to shield these documents from coming out. Among the evidence being sought is a deposition of Steve Jobs, which when it was first produced, led to the extraordinary move by the judge of ordering most everyone out of the courtroom, including UMG's employees.

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The musicians in the class action want to pierce the veil, but Apple contends that depositions given by Jobs and senior vp Eddy Cue, as well as other documents related to Apple's business relationships with UMG and other record labels, are "highly confidential and proprietary trade secrets."

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Apple, however, says the plaintiffs haven't shown how the requested documents are relevant. Instead, Apple faults the attorneys for the musicians bringing a motion for documents that is "broad but indiscriminate." If the documents are released, the company says it will experience competitive harm.

more here
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/apple-steve-jobs-deposition-universal-music-317999

and here
Why is Apple fighting so hard to keep two-year-old court records sealed?
http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2012/05/01/clear-the-courtroom-before-steve-jobs-deposition-is-read/

I wonder if the so called "highly confidential and proprietary trade secrets." Apple supposedly wants people from learning are similar to the illegal price-fixing it did with major book publishing houses, something for which the DOJ is Suing Apple and the publishers.
Time for the musicians to ensure that they dont get short changed by similar backdoor dealings.

U.S. Alleges E-Book Scheme
Lawsuit Says Apple, Publishers Colluded to Raise Prices; Three Will Settle
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304444604577337573054615152.html