TECHWEEK
Samsung, a well-known consumer electronics manufacturer, has become the target of legal action. The consumer protection association (Consumentenbond or CB) and the Consumer Competition Claims Fund (CCCF) in the Netherlands have charged Samsung with market price manipulation. The essence of the accusation is that between 2013 and 2018, the company allegedly pressured electronics retailers to prevent the sale of its televisions at prices below the established minimum.
Image Source: Samsung
According to the plaintiffs, Samsung actively controlled the implementation of this pricing policy. They claim that such actions by the company led to TV buyers overpaying by an average of €100 per device. This applies not only to Samsung products, but also to other brands. The latter, according to the accusations, followed Samsung’s aggressive pricing strategy and also inflated prices for TVs of their brands.
Both prosecutors argue that TV buyers, regardless of brand, should be compensated for the damages caused. They are calling on anyone who purchased a TV in the Netherlands between January 2013 and December 2018 through online stores to join the lawsuit.
The case raises important questions about the influence of big tech companies on market prices and their responsibilities to ordinary consumers. The outcome of the case could have a major impact on e-commerce business rules and consumer protection, at least in the Netherlands. The outcome of this lawsuit could lead to a re-examination of pricing strategies in the consumer electronics industry and set new standards for compliance with competitive principles in the global marketplace.
