business

SAN JOSE, CALIF. - Complaints about Apple Incorporated's use restrictions and recent software update for the iPhone have erupted in two lawsuits alleging that Apple and its carrier partner, AT&T Inc., engaged in illegal monopolistic behavior.

Two lawsuits were filed Friday in San Jose -- one in federal court and the other in state court, with both seeking class-action status.

The federal case accuses the companies of unfair business practices and violations of antitrust, telecommunications and warranty laws. The state case raises some of the same allegations.

Apple spokeswoman Susan Lundgren and AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel both declined to comment Wednesday.

AT&T is the exclusive carrier in the U.S. for Apple's iPhone. By not allowing consumers' iPhones to work on other carrier networks, the companies conspired to maintain a monopoly, the federal suit alleges.

ASSOCIATED PRESS