The European Commission confirmed that on 1 March 2011 some officials initiated unannounced inspections at the premises of companies that are active in the e-book (electronic or digital books) publishing sector in several Member States. These inspections are based on Commission's belief that the companies concerned may have violated EU antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and other restrictive business practices.

Over the precedent days some rumours had arisen about Commission's actions over some major publishing companies active in the e-book sector. Unannounced inspections which took place on 1 March 2011 have been confirmed by the European Commission. These inspections are a preliminary step into suspected anticompetitive practices. Commission services will now have to determine if these publishing companies did make any agreement on e-book pricing which could go against EU competition rules.

They were carried out by Commission officials, who were accompanied by their counterparts from the relevant national competition authorities. The fact that the Commission carries out such inspections does not mean that the companies are guilty of anti-competitive behaviour nor does it prejudge the outcome of the investigation itself. The Commission wants to clarify its full respect to the rights of defence, in particular the right of companies to be heard in antitrust proceedings.

There is no legal deadline to complete inquiries into anticompetitive conduct. Their duration depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of each case, the extent to which the undertakings concerned co-operate with the Commission and the exercise of the rights of defence.