John Deere pays $99 million for repair monopoly

Tractor manufacturer John Deere has agreed to pay $99 million to settle allegations of monopolizing agricultural equipment repair. This settlement addresses years of criticism from consumer advocates and farmers regarding the company's restrictive repair practices, often referred to as the "right-to-repair" issue. While the payment marks a significant financial resolution, some consumer advocates argue that the amount is insufficient to fully compensate for the alleged monopolistic behavior and its impact on farmers. The case highlights ongoing tensions between manufacturers' control over repairs and consumers' desire for accessible and affordable maintenance.