A Texas federal judge has dismissed an antitrust lawsuit filed by auto parts maker Prevent Group against Volkswagen, concluding that the German judicial system is better suited for these claims.
VW Supplier Antitrust Suit : Judge’s Decision
This ruling requires the U.S. affiliate of Prevent Group to pursue its accusations against Volkswagen in Germany. Prevent Group alleges Volkswagen used boycotts to thwart its potential acquisitions of smaller parts suppliers to limit its market power. Volkswagen argued the case belongs in Germany, where similar claims have been litigated for years, asserting the allegations lack U.S. connections.
Legal Proceedings
On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Rodney Gilstrap agreed with a magistrate judge’s June recommendation to dismiss the case without prejudice on forum non conveniens grounds. Judge Gilstrap noted that his decision followed a de novo review.
Initially, Judge Gilstrap denied Volkswagen’s bid to dismiss the case on these grounds. However, the trial court had to reconsider after a successful appeal to the Fifth Circuit.
VW Supplier Antitrust Suit : Representation
Prevent USA is represented by Samuel F. Baxter, Jennifer Truelove, Radu A. Lelutiu, James H. Smith, and Melissa Cabrera of McKool Smith. Volkswagen is represented by Sharon L. Nelles, Steven L. Holley, Suhana S. Han, Leonid Traps, and Jessica H. Goldman of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, and Michael Smith of Scheef & Stone LLP.
Case Information
The case is Prevent USA Corp. v. Volkswagen AG et al., case number 2:22-cv-00506, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.
VW Supplier Antitrust Suit : Additional Context
This ruling highlights the complexities involved in antitrust litigation spanning multiple jurisdictions. By dismissing the VW Supplier Antitrust Suit, the court underscored the importance of appropriate forum selection in international legal disputes.
