Co-Lead Counsel on Behalf of Direct Purchasers of “K-Cup” Coffee Pods Alleging Keurig’s Unlawful Monopolization of K-Cups

In re: Keurig Green Mountain Single Serve Coffee Antitrust Litigation, 14-md-02542 (S.D.N.Y.)

Robins Kaplan serves as court-appointed co-lead counsel on behalf of a class of direct purchasers of K-Cups, the pods compatible with Keurig-brand coffee makers. Plaintiffs allege that Keurig unlawfully monopolized the K-Cup market through a multifaceted anticompetitive scheme which includes, among other things, coercing suppliers, distributors, and retailers to enter into unduly restrictive exclusive dealing agreements that have the effect of raising barriers to entry by competitors; pursuing sham patent litigation against competitors; and developing a new model K-Cup brewer with “lock-out” technology designed to prevent cups not manufactured by Keurig from working with the brewer. The case has survived a motion to dismiss, and is ongoing before the trial court.