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FTC secures right to repair settlement with farming equipment giant John Deere
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- The Federal Trade Commission and several state attorneys general reached a right-to-repair settlement with John Deere, requiring the company to allow farmers and independent shops to repair their own equipment.
- Deere had faced longstanding complaints for restricting access to repair software and forcing customers to use authorized dealers, which the FTC argued was an illegal antitrust practice.
- The settlement mandates Deere to provide diagnostic and repair tools to equipment owners and independent repair shops, prohibits retaliation against those who choose independent repairs, and includes $1 million in payments to five states for enforcement costs.
- Deere denies any wrongdoing, stating it did not monopolize repair services, but welcomed the settlement as reinforcing its commitment to flexible repair options and innovation.
- The order awaits approval from Judge Iain D. Johnston and includes a 10-year compliance oversight period for Deere.
