Apple responds to Scandinavian demands to open iTunes

Apple Computer on Tuesday responded to claims made by Scandinavian governments that the company was violating their laws by not allowing other music devices to access music from iTunes.

Natalie Kerris, a spokeswoman for Apple, confirmed that the company had responded, but said the company is not revealing the details of its reply.

"We're looking forward to resolving this matter," said Kerris.

Sweden, Norway and Denmark say Apple is violating their copyright laws by excluding all music device other than Apple's iPod from downloading songs from iTunes.

Opposition from Scandinavia comes after the French government has also raised objections to Apple's "walled garden" approach to music distribution. In June, France's parliament passed a law that could force Apple to open up iTunes to competitors. Apple has called this "state-sponsored piracy."

According to the Associated Press, Jacques Chirac, France's president, must decide whether to approve France's law or send it back to parliament.