UK Court Reopens Case Alleging Apple and Amazon Drove Up Prices

Britain's Competition Appeal Tribunal has allowed a potential £289 million lawsuit against Apple and Amazon to proceed. The case centers on allegations that an agreement between the two technology companies unfairly increased the prices of products sold on Amazon's platform.

The legal action was initially brought by consumer law expert Christine Riefa, but was dismissed in January 2025. It was revived under a new lead claimant, Justin Le Patourel, who argues that a 2018 deal between Apple and Amazon UK restricted competition.

According to the claim, the agreement limited the ability of independent retailers to sell Apple and Beats hardware through Amazon. This restriction, the claimant alleges, reduced competition and led to higher prices for consumers. The tribunal found that the restriction on dealers could indeed have pushed up prices for Apple products on Amazon.

However, the tribunal also noted that claims regarding the impact on other retailers' pricing were based on complex and speculative theories of harm with insufficient evidence. The legal team for Mr. Le Patourel estimates the remaining claims could total at least £289 million.

Apple has strongly denied the accusations, stating its agreement with Amazon was intended to combat counterfeit products. Amazon welcomed the tribunal's decision and asserted that the remaining claims lack merit.