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:

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