Apple Import Agencies Raided: The Fair Trade...

Apple Import Agencies Raided: The Fair Trade Commission raided offices of two Japanese import agencies for Apple Computer Inc., investigating alleged obstruction of sales by competitors who also import Apple’s personal computers into Japan, officials said. Commission officials searched 39 offices of Canon Sales Co. and Apple Computer Japan Co. on suspicion of violating the anti-monopoly law that prohibits unfair trade practices, the officials said. Canon Sales is the sole Japanese sales agent for Apple Computer. Apple Japan is the wholly owned Japanese unit the Cupertino, Calif.-based computer maker. The two firms allegedly pressured publishers of four PC magazines to call off bargain sale ads for Apple’s Macintosh model that were placed by independent importers.