Who’s responsible for what you buy on Amazon? The court is to decide
Federal judges will determine if Amazon holds responsibility for damages caused by goods sold on Amazon Marketplace.
According to CNN, the U.S. Third Court of Appeals in Philadelphia is hearing the case “Oberdorf v. Amazon.” The case was originally brought by Heather Oberdorf, who was blinded in one eye in 2015 as a result of a faulty dog collar purchased from third-party seller “The Furry Gang” on Amazon, reports ChainStoreAge.com. Neither Oberdorf nor Amazon has been able to locate The Furry Gang.
In 2019, a lower court determined that under Pennsylvania law, Amazon could be legally considered the seller of the faulty product and held liable for any damages it caused. Amazon is appealing the case, saying it provides a marketplace for third-party sellers but does not act as the seller for third-party transactions. Amazon states this policy in its conditions of use for Amazon Marketplace.
If the Full Appeals court rules against Amazon, it could have a significant effect. A substantial shift in case law holding Amazon liable for third party sales would change the way the marketplace operates. As a result, Amazon would respond by demanding more stringent vetting measures for third-party sellers and their products.
More Amazon news
Amazon launches free shipping to Israel
Amazon offers free delivery service in Israel Amazon launched free international shipping to Israel on Monday, and also unveiled a comprehensive Hebrew-language version of its website. According to Amazon, international orders “with at least $49 of...
How Amazon Rigs its “Buy Box” Algorithm
Amazon uses “Buy Box” algorithm to its own advantageFor Amazon sellers winning the “Buy Box” is everything. While Amazon says it’s a neutral arbiter, there is ample evidence that the company uses its algorithm to deliver outcomes that further its own...
Walmart gaining ground against Amazon
Walmart appears to be winning more customers Less shopping is happening on Amazon, and consumers are favoring Walmart, according to a new survey. The frequency of people buying items on Amazon six times or more per month has dropped to 40% this year from...
