Hermès Faces Antitrust Lawsuit Over Birkin Bag Sales

Californians file a lawsuit against Hermès International, alleging unfair competition and antitrust violations in the sale of its coveted Birkin bags, claiming the luxury brand forces customers to buy ancillary products to gain access to the bags. Legal experts are uncertain about the merits of the case, as Hermès' practices are inconsistent and not clearly defined, making it difficult for the plaintiffs to pinpoint a specific problem with the policy. The lawsuit could have implications for consumers who have experienced gatekeeping when purchasing products, and it raises questions about the legality and fairness of tying one product to another.