Apple and Amazon Seek $2 Million from Hagens Berman Over Alleged Legal Misconduct
In a significant legal development, tech giants Apple and Amazon have jointly filed a motion demanding a combined payment of approximately $2 million from the law firm Hagens Berman. This demand arises from alleged misconduct during a class-action lawsuit that accused both companies of engaging in illegal price-fixing practices.
Background of the Class-Action Lawsuit
The origins of this dispute trace back to a class-action lawsuit initiated in 2022. The lawsuit alleged that Apple and Amazon colluded to artificially inflate product prices, thereby eliminating competition from third-party sellers. The case was spearheaded by Hagens Berman, a law firm with a history of litigating against major corporations, including previous actions against Apple.
Dismissal of the Lawsuit
In September 2025, U.S. District Judge Kymberley Evanson dismissed the lawsuit. The dismissal was largely attributed to the conduct of Hagens Berman, which the court found had unnecessarily prolonged proceedings. The original plaintiffs had expressed a desire to withdraw from the case, but the law firm sought to introduce new plaintiffs to keep the lawsuit active. Judge Evanson noted that the court had relied on the firm’s representations that the original plaintiffs had not withdrawn, which was later found to be inaccurate.
Allegations of Misconduct
The crux of the misconduct allegations centers on Hagens Berman’s handling of the plaintiffs’ status. The firm reportedly informed the court that the original plaintiffs had become difficult to reach, omitting the fact that they intended to withdraw from the lawsuit. This omission led the court to allow the addition of new plaintiffs under the false impression that the original ones were still involved. Such actions have been characterized as a lack of candor by the court.
Financial Demands by Apple and Amazon
In response to these developments, Apple and Amazon have filed a motion in the United States District Court in Seattle, seeking reimbursement for legal fees and costs incurred due to the alleged misconduct. Apple is requesting $540,000, while Amazon is seeking approximately $1.4 million, bringing the total to around $2 million. These amounts are intended to cover the expenses both companies faced as a result of the protracted legal proceedings.
Hagens Berman’s Response
Hagens Berman has acknowledged that the situation could have been managed more effectively. The firm has expressed a desire to conclude the case in a professional manner and has denied any intent to mislead the court. In earlier proceedings, the firm indicated it would not oppose sanctions up to $223,000 in legal fees, a figure significantly lower than the current demands from Apple and Amazon.
Broader Implications
This case highlights the complexities and potential pitfalls in class-action litigation, especially when law firms take actions that may not fully align with their clients’ intentions. The substantial financial demands from Apple and Amazon underscore the serious consequences that can arise from perceived legal misconduct.
Conclusion
The legal battle between Apple, Amazon, and Hagens Berman serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of transparency and integrity in legal proceedings. As the court considers the motion for reimbursement, the outcome may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, emphasizing the need for law firms to adhere strictly to ethical standards and accurately represent their clients’ positions.
