“By choosing whom to empower with a Fully Functional Repair Tool – only Deere dealers – Deere has excluded other providers of repair services from offering restricted repairs,” the complaint reads. “As a result of Deere’s exercise of monopoly power, Deere dealers collectively have a 100% share of restricted repairs.”
In his written dissent, Republican Commissioner Andrew Ferguson expressed support for farmers and the right-to-repair movement but criticized the FTC’s timing. Ferguson contended that negotiations were still ongoing and argued that filing the lawsuit now seemed politically motivated.
“Given the timing of this filing, today’s action appears to be one taken in haste to beat President Trump into office, and lends to the suit the stench of partisan motivation,” Ferguson said.
John Deere did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The case is seen as a continuation of the FTC’s efforts to address repair restrictions, especially following its 2021 report on repair practices in various industries, including mobile phones and automobiles. The commission has also taken action against other manufacturers, such as Harley-Davidson, Weber, and Westinghouse, for similar repair restrictions.
