Eyeware Antitrust Class Action

Spiro Harrison & Nelson filed an antitrust class action on behalf of consumers against eyeware conglomerate EssilorLuxottica S.A. and affiliated entities alleging that they unlawfully monopolized the eyeware market in violation of federal antitrust law. The complaint alleges that EssilorLuxottica S.A. controls the manufacture, distribution, pricing and sale of the majority of eyewear purchased by consumers, although consumers typically believe they are purchasing eyeware from separate, independent brands. EssilorLuxottica S.A. allegedly gained its monopoly by, among other means, acquiring competitors to prevent competition; owning or entering into long-term exclusive and restrictive agreements with luxury and premium brands; preventing third-party retailers from competing on price through contractual restrictions; and leveraging its ownership of large vision care insurance companies and optometrist group purchasing organizations to steer patients at a majority of “independent” eyecare professionals toward purchasing its own eyeglasses and sunglasses, rather than its competitors’ products. This conduct allegedly foreclosed competition in the eyeware market and caused consumers to pay more than they should have paid for eyeware, including eyeglasses, sunglasses and corrective lenses, since 2007.

——

Eyeware Brands:
Alain Mikli
Arnette
Costa Del Mar
Foster Grant
Oakley
Oliver Peoples
Persol
Ray-Ban
Sferoflex
Starck Biotech Paris
Vogue Eyewear
Armani Exchange
Brooks Brothers
Brunello Cucinelli
Bulgari
Burberry
Chanel
Chaps
Coach
DbyD
Dolce & Gabbana
Emporio Armani
Giorgio Armani
Michael Kors
Miu Miu
Native
Polo by Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren
Swarovski
Tiffany & Co.
Tory Burch
Versace

Retail Outlets:
Cole National
For Eyes
FramesDirect.com
Glasses.com
LensCrafters
Oakley Stores
Pearle Vision
Sunglass Hut
Target Optical

Optometrist Groups:
EyeMed in-network eyecare professionals
Vision Source optometry practices

Defendants:
EssilorLuxottica S.A.
Luxottica Group S.p.A.
Essilor International SAS
EssilorLuxottica USA Inc.
Luxottica U.S. Holdings Corp.
Essilor of America Holding Company, Inc.
Luxottica of America, Inc.
Essilor of America Inc.
EyeMed Vision Care, LLC
Vision Source, LLC