A lawsuit filed against Apple claims that limiting iTunes purchases to Apple’s iPod line of music and video players is monopolistic. The lawsuit has been filed by a Florida resident US District Court for the Southern District of California. Frederick Black also argues that the lack of Microsoft’s Windows Media support on iPods limits competition. “[Apple], by controlling such a large part of the portable digital media player market, the online music market and the online video market, maintains sufficient economic power in these markets to control consumer pricing in these markets, which has resulted in consumers paying higher prices,” says the complaint.

Apple may be found to have violated the following:

1. Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practice Act,
2. attempted monopolization in violation of the Florida Antitrust Act, and
3. monopolization in violation of the Florida Antitrust Act

So is Apple a monopoly? If Black wins he gets $15,000 and could get thrice that including attorney fees.

[via engadget]