The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal has resumed a class-action lawsuit against Apple and Amazon. The case centers on a 2018 agreement between the two companies, which allegedly restricted third-party retailers from selling Apple and Beats products on Amazon's platform.
Plaintiffs claim that this arrangement stifled competition and resulted in higher prices for consumers. Similar legal actions and investigations regarding this agreement have previously taken place in Germany, the United States, Spain, and Italy.
The case was initially rejected by the tribunal due to concerns over the representative's independence and the funding structure involving Asertis. The court expressed worry that the funding agreement could prioritize the financier's returns over consumer compensation.
Following the appointment of a new representative, the tribunal allowed the case to proceed. However, the court limited the scope of the lawsuit, excluding claims related to products purchased directly from Apple's official channels, citing a lack of sufficient evidence.
Apple and Amazon have contested the allegations. Apple maintains that the 2018 partnership was established to combat counterfeit goods and ensure a secure shopping environment for customers rather than to limit market competition.
