German government plans fixed book prices for e-books too
According to the Book Price Fixing Act, new, i.e. unused, books may only be sold at the prices previously set by publishers, among others. Unlike with most other products, individual retailers are therefore prohibited from setting any price they wish.
This is intended to protect the "book as a cultural asset". In addition to books, so-called "book-related products" are already subject to fixed prices. However, there are always difficulties in drawing the line. For example, when should a PDF file be considered a book or a book-related product? The new regulation will probably not solve the demarcation problem. However, it should be made clear that electronic book substitutes are subject to fixed book prices. The current government draft is due to come into force on January 1, 2016.
Date: 5. May 2015