Dan Brecher
Counsel
212-286-0747 dbrecher@sh-law.comKey Contacts
Back
Amazon is a retail powerhouse, so it can be an author’s best friend or, as Hachette – one of the big New York publishers – is finding out, it can also be your worst enemy. Amazon has had an uncomfortable relationship with the writing community and it has been taking action to discourage shoppers from buying books by Hachette. In response, authors took to social media to object to Amazon’s bullish tactics.
Some of the tactics being used by Amazon include charging more for books by Hachette, recommending other books by different authors, or delaying delivery of Hachette’s books (sometimes for weeks). Hachette claims it is timely delivering books to Amazon, while the online retailer claims they are out of stock. These machinations leave editors and authors powerless.
The feud began when contract negotiations between Amazon and Hachette fell apart. Amazon was seeking better terms and Hachette wasn’t budging. In an attempt to put pressure on Hachette, Amazon began its secret online subterfuge.
Both sides of the fight have something to lose. Amazon reportedly controls approximately a third of the book business, which makes it essential to big publishers like Hachette. Amazon’s marketing has focused on being the consumer’s friend, so it stands to tarnish its reputation as it pushes away readers and authors. With book retailers such as Barnes & Noble struggling, Amazon has become the primary means for authors to sell their books.
It is assumed that Amazon is playing hard-ball with Hachette and other suppliers because its stock shares are down this year and the analysts are not optimistic about earnings in their forecasts. Sadly, Amazon’s attempt to focus on the bottom line will only hurt the little guys, who are also their primary customers.
If you have any questions about the issues discussed above or would like to discuss other business law matters, please contact me or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work.
- Practices: Corporate Transactions & Business
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, New York City, Little Falls, NJ
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
When to Settle and When to Fight: A Litigator's Framework
Every lawsuit comes with a cost, and knowing when to settle a lawsuit is one of the most consequential decisions a business owner will face. Experienced litigators understand how to minimize cost and obtain certainty for their clients. For many business owners, the decision is viewed almost entirely through a financial lens: What will it cost […]
Author: Sean M. Pena
A Whistleblower Just Filed a Complaint Against Your Company: Here's What to Do Now
Few situations create more uncertainty than learning that an employee has filed a whistleblower complaint. Questions arise immediately: Is the allegation legitimate? Should the employee be placed on leave? Do we need to notify our insurance carrier? Are we now prevented from disciplining the employee if there are unrelated ongoing work related issues? There is […]
Author: Sean M. Pena
Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors: An Alternative to Bankruptcy for Distressed Businesses
When a business reaches the point where it can no longer service its debts or otherwise resolve its liabilities, management is often faced with a difficult question: is a bankruptcy filing necessary or is there another way to perform an orderly liquidation or sale of the business assets? While Chapters 7 and 11 of the […]
Author: John D. Giampolo
Breaking Down New Jersey’s “Mansion” Tax: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
For many years, the New Jersey Mansion Tax has been a significant consideration in high-value real estate transactions. Recent legislative changes, however, have substantially altered how the tax operates, including who is responsible for paying it and the amount owed in certain transactions. Whether you are purchasing, selling, or investing in New Jersey real estate, […]
Author: George McGowan
Estate Planning for Digital Assets Under New Jersey Law
As our personal and financial lives increasingly move online, estate planning must evolve to address a new category of property: digital assets. From email accounts and social media profiles to cryptocurrency and cloud-stored business records, these assets often carry both financial and sentimental value. Yet, without proper planning, they can become inaccessible—or even lost—upon incapacity […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
The Role of Representation and Warranty Insurance in M&A Transactions
In today’s mergers and acquisitions market, representation and warranty (R&W) insurance has become a common feature of deal negotiations. Once used primarily in larger transactions, R&W insurance is now frequently incorporated into middle-market deals as buyers and sellers look for efficient ways to allocate risk and close deals. When structured properly, R&W insurance can help […]
Author: George McGowan
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.