Consumers could be in line for e-books settlement

ACROSS MISSISSIPPI — Officials say they’re sending out notices to Mississippi residents who might have overpaid for e-books and are eligible for a share of a nationwide settlement.

Attorney General Jim Hood says the state is getting $407,823 of the $69 million settlement with publishers Hachette, HarperCollins and Simon & Shuster.

Officials say the money will be paid to consumers who bought electronic books from the publishers between April 1, 2010, and May 21. Consumers who bought from Sony, Google or some minor distributors may need to return their claim forms by Dec. 12.

Prosecutors say several publishers conspired to increase e-book prices for all consumers and to eliminate e-book price competition.