Carriers have to order a minimum number of iPhones, pay for ads (including in-store displays), cover some of the costs of repairs, let Apple use some of their patents and offer their branding as Apple sees fit. At the same time, they give up control over using Apple's brand and lose power over payment plans. If the crew at 1 Infinite Loop likes, it can also void a contract without any heads-up.

We've asked Apple for its take on the complaint, and we'll let you know if it has something to share. However, there's little doubt that the company frequently has carriers over a barrel. The iPhone is still a staple of most big phone networks' lineups, and they ignore the device at their peril. If this legal action succeeds, it could not only reduce that competitive pressure in France, but inspire other countries to demand similar reforms.