• Federal judge allows FTC’s antitrust lawsuit against Amazon to proceed.
• Some state claims were dismissed, but case’s core remains intact.

A federal judge has given the green light for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to move forward with its landmark antitrust lawsuit against Amazon. While the decision was a substantial setback for the e-commerce giant, it also provided a small victory for Amazon, with several claims made by states dismissed.

According to the Associated Press (AP), the case’s trial is slated for October 2026. Judge John H. Chun’s order, unsealed last week, represents a state of limbo between the FTC’s ambitious antitrust pursuits and Amazon’s attempts to quash the lawsuit. The judge’s decision to allow the case to proceed despite Amazon’s months-long efforts to dismiss it underscores the gravity of the allegations and the potential implications for the tech industry.

However, the ruling wasn’t entirely unfavourable for Amazon. By tossing out some claims made by the states involved in the lawsuit, Judge Chun has narrowed the scope of the case. This partial dismissal suggests that while the core of the FTC’s argument remains intact, the courts seem careful to scrutinise each aspect of complex antitrust allegations.

The FTC’s case: Unpacking the allegations

At the core of the FTC’s lawsuit are allegations that plague big tech companies. Once again, we see claims of anticompetitive practices that supposedly stifle competition and harm consumers.

The FTC’s argument against Amazon is a well-worn playbook of big tech critiques, asserting that the company’s e-commerce dominance enables it to:

• Force sellers to use its logistics and delivery services,
• Penalise merchants who offer lower prices on other platforms,
• Manipulate search results to favour its products.

The practices, according to the FTC, result in higher prices for consumers and reduced choice in the marketplace. The lawsuit seeks to address these issues and potentially force structural changes in Amazon’s operations.

Amazon’s defence and future strategies

While Amazon has not commented on the ruling, the company has consistently denied allegations of anticompetitive behaviour. In previous statements, Amazon has argued that its practices benefit consumers by offering lower prices and greater convenience. The company will likely continue this defence line as the case moves forward.

With the trial set to take place in two years, Amazon now faces the challenge of preparing a robust defence while potentially reassessing some of its business practices. The company may also explore settlement options, although given the scale and scope of the FTC’s case, finding common ground could prove challenging.

Implications for the tech industry

The progression of the case has significant implications not just for Amazon but for the whole tech industry. As one of the most high-profile antitrust cases in recent years, its outcome could set precedents for how regulators approach market dominance.

Other tech giants, including Google, Meta, and Apple, are likely watching this case closely, as similar antitrust concerns have been raised about their business practices. A successful prosecution of Amazon could encourage regulators to pursue more aggressive action against others.

Inevitably, the FTC and Amazon face a long and complex legal battle. The trade commission will need to prove that Amazon’s practices have indeed harmed competition and consumers, while Amazon will work to demonstrate that its business model promotes efficiency and consumer benefit.