Deere Right-to-Repair Lawsuit to Continue

A federal judge on Monday said Deere & Company must face claims from crop farms and farmers that the agricultural machinery maker has unlawfully conspired to restrict services for maintenance and repair.

U.S. District Judge Iain Johnston in Rockford, IL, rejected Deere’s effort to dismiss consolidated lawsuits accusing the Moline, IL-based company of violating U.S. antitrust law.

The judge said the plaintiffs had met legal thresholds to pursue their claims. Deere has denied the allegations and will have a chance at a later stage in the case to dispute the merits of the farmers’ claims.

The Biden administration broadly has backed a federal legislative effort to end restrictive repair practices, which critics argue raises costs for consumers.

Source: Reuters.com