Amazon Battle Plan: Amazon.com’s chief lawyer provided a glimpse of the company’s potential defense strategy against the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) antitrust lawsuit during a private company wide meeting.
David Zapolsky, the attorney, conveyed his confidence in Amazon’s ability to counter the significant legal challenge posed by the FTC. Analyst transcript shows he called the company’s conduct “absolutely defensible behaviour” during the two-hour conversation. Zapolsky even used Taylor Swift lyrics to comfort employees: “haters gonna hate” and “shake it off.”
This legal battle stems from the FTC‘s long-awaited antitrust lawsuit, which was filed against Amazon on September 26. The government agency called for potential remedies, including the sale of assets, as it accused Big Tech of monopolising valuable aspects of the internet. The lawsuit alleges that Amazon has operated an illegal monopoly, in part by inhibiting sellers on its platform from offering products at lower prices on other platforms. Seventeen state attorneys general joined the lawsuit after a four-year investigation into Amazon’s practices.
Zapolsky addressed the FTC’s concerns, particularly the accusation that Amazon refused to display prices lower than its competitors. He explained, “We think this is absolutely defensible behaviour because to feature it would be to lose customer trust by advertising something that is not a good deal for them.” Amazon asserts that it disagrees with the FTC’s claims and intends to defend itself vigorously in court.
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Zapolsky also refuted the notion that Amazon forces sellers to use its warehouses and delivery services, emphasising that these choices are optional. He underlined that offering lower prices and faster delivery aligns with antitrust laws.
In response to the FTC’s lawsuit, Zapolsky acknowledged that it generated significant publicity but assured Amazon employees that the company had encountered similar challenges in the past. This reflects the company’s resolve to face the legal battle with confidence and determination.
The meeting was attended by Amazon CEO Andy Jassy and other executives, demonstrating the company’s unified approach in addressing these critical legal issues. Despite the substantial legal hurdles ahead, Amazon remains steadfast in its defense of its practices and business model.