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German Appeals Court Strikes Down Amazon Prime Price‑Hike Clause

The decision enables customers to demand repayment of increased fees.

Overview

  • Oberlandesgericht Düsseldorf rejected Amazon’s appeal, confirming the Prime price‑adjustment clause as invalid.
  • The judgment is not yet final, and a revision to the Federal Court of Justice is allowed.
  • Verbraucherzentrale NRW says customers can seek refunds now and is preparing a collective lawsuit.
  • Amazon raised Prime prices in September 2022 to €89.90 annually from €69 and to €8.99 monthly from €7.99.
  • Consumer advocates estimate up to €62.70 in overpayments per annual subscriber and potential reimbursements in the high hundreds of millions, while Amazon says it will review the ruling and maintains it informed customers transparently.