Amazon defeats consumer antitrust lawsuit over fulfillment centers

FILE PHOTO: Boxes ready to be delivered are seen during Cyber Monday at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Robbinsville Township in New Jersey, U.S., November 28, 2022. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

(Reuters) - Amazon.com Inc on Thursday defeated a private lawsuit in Seattle federal court that accused the national retailer of a scheme to curb competition for shipping and fulfillment services, causing consumers to pay more for purchases in violation of U.S. antitrust law.

U.S. District Judge Ricardo Martinez in his ruling said the consumer plaintiffs had not shown why they should be allowed to sue over logistics practices — how and when a purchased item shows up at the buyer's residence.