Ferguson alleges Deere unlawfully maintained monopoly power in repair services by withholding repair capabilities from farmers.
“By withholding these repair capabilities, the complaint alleged Deere unlawfully acquired and maintained monopoly power in markets for repair services for Deere farm equipment.”
Ferguson says the settlement restores farmers' traditional ability to repair their own equipment without paying Deere dealers.
““Today’s settlement enables farmers to do what they’ve done for generations—fix their own tractors and other farm equipment—without having to pay an authorized John Deere dealer to do it for them,””
Ferguson describes how Deere restricted proprietary software repair tools to authorized dealers only, forcing farmer dependence.
“Deere, however, has previously made such tools available only to its authorized dealers, forcing farmers to rely on authorized dealers for many necessary repairs,”
Ferguson specifies the Deere settlement order lasts ten years and may be extended for violations.
“The term of the order is 10 years and may be extended if Deere violates its terms.”