Keurig Faces Jury Trial in Long-Running Antitrust Lawsuit
Keurig will proceed to a jury trial after a federal judge denied its request to dismiss key antitrust claims filed by Rogers Family Coffee Co.
A federal judge has ruled that Keurig must face a jury trial in a long-running antitrust case brought by Rogers Family Coffee Co. US District Judge Vernon S. Broderick of the Southern District of New York denied the company's request to dismiss key claims, finding sufficient evidence that Keurig used restrictive agreements with suppliers and distributors to maintain a market share exceeding 85% in the single-serve coffee market.
The lawsuit, originally filed in 2014, also alleges that Keurig made literally false statements regarding the safety and compatibility of third-party pods. While Judge Broderick dismissed claims related to the 2.0 brewer redesign and specific retail agreements, the remaining allegations could result in $390 million in antitrust damages and $109 million in disgorgement.
Keurig intends to defend its position, stating that consumers have had a wide variety of choices for making coffee at home. Lisa Smoot, CEO of Rogers Family Coffee Co, described the ruling as a huge win for her company. Rogers Family Coffee Co has requested that the trial be moved back to California, where the case was first filed.
