According to Reuters, US District Judge Denise Cote has ruled against Apple in its big e-book price-fixing trial. The judge found that Apple conspired to raise the retail price of e-books and will now face a trial to determine damages.

Update: Both Apple and the Department of Justice have released statements about this decision, according to AllThingsD. Not surprisingly, Apple is disappointed with the ruling and will appeal, while the DOJ is pleased.

Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr confirmed the company will appeal and says, "Apple did not conspire to fix e-book pricing and we will continue to fight against these false accusations. When we introduced the iBookstore in 2010, we gave customers more choice, injecting much-needed innovation and competition into the market, breaking Amazon's monopolistic grip on the publishing industry. We've done nothing wrong and we will appeal the judge's decision."

Assistant Attorney General Bill Baer writes, "This result is a victory for millions of consumers who choose to read books electronically ... Companies cannot ignore the antitrust laws when they believe it is in their economic self-interest to do so. This decision by the court is a critical step in undoing the harm caused by Apple's illegal actions."