Amazon must face an antitrust suit filed by the US Federal Trade Commission over its online marketplace, but a federal judge dismissed some of the agencyâs claims tied to state consumer protection laws.
In a decision unsealed Monday, US District Judge John Chun in Seattle said federal antitrust enforcers offered enough evidence in their complaint that Amazonâs business practices harm competition.
While Amazon said that its practices are justified, âthose arguments are inapt at this stage,â Chun said.
However, Chun agreed to dismiss some claims against the company based on state consumer protection laws.
The FTC sued Amazon last year accusing the e-commerce giant of monopolising online marketplace services by degrading quality for shoppers and overcharging sellers, part of a broader agency challenge of the power of big technology companies. The Seattle-based company asked Chun to throw out the complaint, arguing that the agency failed to prove that the online retailerâs practices hurt consumers.
Chun rejected Amazonâs request last week in a sealed opinion. In the decision unsealed Monday, Chun said a trial scheduled for 2026 will focus on whether Amazonâs conduct violates the law and he will hold a second proceeding later, if needed, on any potential remedies.
By Leah Nylen
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