Deere settles US right-to-repair lawsuit with $99 million fund, repair commitments
Deere settles US right-to-repair lawsuit with $99 million fund, repair commitments

Here is the polished and professional version of the blog post
Deere Settles Right-to-Repair Lawsuit with $99 Million Fund A Victory fo[2D[K
for Farmers' Freedom of Choice
In a significant development in the ongoing debate over right-to-repair pra[3D[K
practices, agricultural equipment maker Deere & Company has agreed to settl[5D[K
settle a class-action lawsuit for $99 million. The settlement fund will com[3D[K
compensate farmers and farms that have been affected by Deere's restriction[11D[K
restrictions on access to repair tools and software. In this blog post, we'[3D[K
we'll delve into the details of the agreement and its implications for the [K
right-to-repair movement.
The Settlement Terms
According to a document filed in federal court in Chicago, Illinois, the se[2D[K
settlement fund will cover eligible plaintiffs who paid Deere's authorized [K
dealers for repairs to large agricultural equipment from January 2018. The [K
fund will be used to compensate farmers and farms that have been affected b[1D[K
by Deere's restrictions on access to repair tools and software.
In addition to the financial compensation, Deere has also agreed to make av[2D[K
available to farmers for 10 years the digital tools required for the maint[5D[K
maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of large agricultural equipment, includ[6D[K
including tractors, combines, and sugarcane harvesters. The proposed accord[6D[K
accord requires a judge's approval before it can be finalized.
The Right-to-Repair Movement A Broader Trend
The settlement is part of a broader movement in the United States to promot[6D[K
promote right-to-repair practices. Regulators and plaintiffs argue that som[3D[K
some manufacturers limit competition by controlling access to repair tools [K
and software, making it difficult for farmers and others to fix their equip[5D[K
equipment without relying on authorized dealers.
The FTC Lawsuit A Separate Concern
Deere also faces a separate lawsuit brought by the US Federal Trade Commiss[7D[K
Commission (FTC). In 2025, a US judge ruled that Deere must face the lawsui[6D[K
lawsuit, which accused the company of forcing farmers to use its authorized[10D[K
authorized dealer network and driving up their costs for parts and repairs.[8D[K
repairs. The FTC had claimed that Deere is blocking farmers from acquiring [K
the tools and information necessary to repair their equipment in a timely [K
and cost-effective manner. Deere has denied any wrongdoing.
Conclusion A Significant Victory
The settlement between Deere and the class-action plaintiffs is a significa[9D[K
significant victory for the right-to-repair movement. By making available t[1D[K
the digital tools required for maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of large [K
agricultural equipment, Deere is acknowledging the importance of giving far[3D[K
farmers and others the freedom to choose how they want to repair their equi[4D[K
equipment.
As we continue to transform industries in 2026, it's essential to recognize[9D[K
recognize that right-to-repair practices are not limited to agriculture. Th[2D[K
The principles of transparency, competition, and access to information appl[4D[K
apply across industries. By promoting these values, we can create a more in[2D[K
inclusive and innovative economy for all.
Keywords Right-to-Repair, Deere & Company, Agricultural Equipment, Far[3D[K
Farmers, Digital Tools, Maintenance, Diagnosis, Repair, Competition, Transp[6D[K
Transparency, Innovation