The FTC and attorney generals from Minnesota and Illinois filed an antitrust lawsuit against John Deere, accusing the company of monopolizing their repair services for its agricultural equipment.
The lawsuit alleges Deere’s restrictions on diagnostic tools and repair software forces farmers to rely on authorized dealers, driving up repair costs and limiting competition. The FTC seeks a permanent injunction to make Deere’s repair tools accessible to farmers and independent repair shops.
Critics argue that these restrictions burden farmers with delays and higher costs, while Deere defends its practices as necessary to comply with emissions laws and protect intellectual property.
The lawsuit highlights tensions in the right-to-repair movement, with Deere accused of using repair restrictions to maintain a monopoly and boost profits through branded parts sales. Supporters of the lawsuit argue that timely and affordable repairs are essential for farmers, particularly during critical periods like harvest.
Photo Credit: John Deere Company
Comments