Apple and Amazon Seek Refund of $223k in Legal Fees as Price Fixing Lawsuit Faces Hurdles

Apple and Amazon Price Fixing Class Action Lawsuit Facing Hurdles In 2022, a class action lawsuit was filed against Apple and Amazon, alleging price fixing that led to consumers paying more for Apple products. The suit gained traction after an agreement in 2018 between the two companies reduced the number of resellers on Amazon.

Discovery Issues and Plaintiff Withdrawal

In September 2023, Apple and Amazon issued a discovery order against the plaintiff. However, the law firm Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro failed to disclose that the plaintiff no longer wanted to participate in the lawsuit. Instead, they told the court they had lost contact with the plaintiff.

Court Intervention and Legal Fees

The court discovered the truth about the plaintiff's intention to withdraw after requesting access to communications between the law firm and the plaintiff. As a result, instead of imposing discovery sanctions on the plaintiff, the court ruled that Apple and Amazon were entitled to request an award for attorney's fees and expenses.

Compensation Requested

Apple and Amazon filed for compensation, with Apple alone requesting $144,000 and the total request amounting to $223,000. The case remains open, with the judge ordering the plaintiff to show cause why their claims should not be dismissed with prejudice by May 2, 2025. The next scheduled hearing will determine whether the case is dismissed or continues.