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Proposed Class Action Accuses Amazon of Misleading 'Buy' Labels for Digital Movies and TV

Plaintiffs point to a new California statute that requires clear license disclosures when ownership is not conveyed.

Overview

  • The suit, filed in Washington federal court on Friday, alleges a bait-and-switch that sells revocable licenses as purchases.
  • The complaint says Amazon’s warning appears in small print at the bottom of the confirmation page and is not clear or conspicuous.
  • Claims cite California unfair competition, false advertising and consumer legal remedies laws and seek disgorgement, punitive damages and other relief.
  • Plaintiffs argue titles can be removed or replaced if Amazon loses distribution rights, undermining the expectation of lasting access.
  • A similar 2020 case survived most of Amazon’s dismissal bid, and Amazon has not responded to requests for comment on the new filing.