Justice Department asks Supreme Court to reverse part of Apple contempt ruling

The U.S. Justice Department urged the Supreme Court to reverse the finding that Apple violated an injunction by charging a 27% commission on purchases made outside the App Store. Its amicus brief argues civil contempt applies only when an injunction's express terms clearly cover the challenged conduct. The department nevertheless said lower courts correctly held Apple in contempt for restricting external-purchase buttons, and asked that other issues be reconsidered under a "fair ground of doubt" standard. The filing does not change current App Store rules; Apple presently permits external links without a commission while the appeal proceeds.