The Federal Trade Commission and several state attorneys general have reached a right-to-repair settlement with John Deere, requiring the agricultural equipment manufacturer to allow farmers and independent shops to fix their own machinery. This agreement mandates that Deere make diagnostic and repair tools accessible beyond its authorized dealer network, addressing long-standing complaints about restricted repair services. The settlement also prohibits Deere dealers from retaliating against those who opt for independent repairs and requires the company to pay $1 million for antitrust enforcement costs, with a decade of compliance oversight.
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United Airlines is now facing a significant lawsuit over its “window seats” that, in reality, lack any windows. This situation has sparked considerable discussion and, understandably, a lot of frustration among passengers who feel misled. The core of the issue lies in the discrepancy between what passengers believe they are purchasing and what they actually receive. For many, the allure of a window seat is not just about the view, but also about the physical space – the ability to lean against the cabin wall, which is often associated with the window area, to rest or sleep.
The idea of a “window seat” implies, by its very definition, a window.… Continue reading
French presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon has voiced concerns over Sony’s planned discontinuation of physical game disc production by 2028, advocating for new legislation to protect digital game purchases. He argues that digital games, unlike physical copies, function as revocable licenses lacking a second-hand market and are susceptible to being delisted, potentially rendering entire game generations inaccessible. Mélenchon plans to launch a campaign in 2027 to establish that video games are cultural assets with associated gamer rights, as current legislation is insufficient to address the shift to a digital-only ecosystem. Despite recent setbacks for preservation efforts in both the European Commission and the United States, Mélenchon’s influence as a polarizing figure with a strong youth following, particularly in his 2027 presidential bid, could impact the debate on digital ownership.
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The European Commission has declined to propose legislation requiring publishers to keep discontinued video games playable, delivering a significant setback to the “Stop Killing Games” campaign. Despite the initiative garnering over a million verified signatures, the Commission cited concerns regarding intellectual property rights, business costs, and potential security risks as reasons for not imposing a legal obligation. Instead, discussions will commence by the end of 2026 with the industry and consumer representatives to draft an industry code of conduct. While this decision means publishers are not facing an immediate EU-wide legal requirement, the campaign remains determined to push for legislative change, now focusing on amending existing EU digital consumer legislation.
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Beginning February 18, 2027, smartphones and tablets sold in the EU must feature batteries that end-users can readily remove and replace. This mandate, part of the EU’s Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, aims to combat e-waste by extending device lifespans and simplifying repairs. Manufacturers will need to ensure batteries can be swapped without specialized tools or technical expertise, potentially influencing global design trends.
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Costco customers are finding themselves in a unique position, suing for a share of refunds stemming from tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. This situation arises because Costco, like many other retailers, was affected by these tariffs, and the subsequent government actions to potentially refund some of those payments have led to this legal entanglement. The core of the issue revolves around whether Costco customers, who ultimately bore the brunt of these tariffs, should benefit from any refunds the company might receive.
It’s understandable that customers would feel entitled to a portion of these refunds. Many likely experienced price increases on goods they purchased from Costco, or they believe that Costco absorbed costs that could have otherwise gone into customer benefits like lower prices or enhanced value.… Continue reading
Following a court order by Worthing County Court, North has been directed to pay Southern Water the nearly £1,000 she owes for her water bill. North had stopped paying in April 2023, citing concerns over sewage spills affecting beaches and the desire for significant change in the company’s practices, emphasizing the impact on future generations and quality of life. While urging others to consider boycotting payments, Southern Water stated its obligation as a regulated company to pursue non-payers, highlighting potential negative consequences on credit ratings and increased costs for those who do not comply.
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Federal Express has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government seeking a full refund of tariffs paid under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. This action follows a Supreme Court ruling that declared these tariffs illegal and granted the Court of International Trade exclusive jurisdiction over such disputes. FedEx’s suit, filed on behalf of itself and its associated company FedEx Logistics, aims to recover all IEEPA duties paid, marking what appears to be the first such claim by a major American company after the Supreme Court’s decision. Other companies have also filed similar suits to stake claims for their refunds, highlighting a broader impact of the ruling on businesses that incurred these now-invalidated duties.
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A proposed class-action lawsuit filed in California alleges Costco has misled customers by advertising its rotisserie chickens as containing “no preservatives.” The lawsuit claims Costco uses ingredients like sodium phosphate and carrageenan, which extend shelf life and maintain texture, contradicting the “no preservatives” claim. While these ingredients are approved and considered safe, the plaintiffs argue it is unlawful and misleading advertising. Costco has since removed “no preservatives” references from its labeling and signage, stating the ingredients are used for moisture retention and texture consistency.
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Colorado’s new right-to-repair law, enacted on January 1st, empowers consumers by mandating that manufacturers share necessary parts, tools, and information for repairing electronics and appliances. This allows individuals to fix devices themselves or utilize local businesses, rather than being restricted to manufacturer-authorized repairers. Consumer advocates estimate this will save households approximately $382 annually and reduce electronic waste. While facing resistance from large corporations, the law’s passage establishes Colorado as a leader in consumer repair rights, building upon previous legislation regarding powered wheelchairs and farm equipment.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood