THE WHAT? A landmark £1 billion damages claim has been filed against Amazon on behalf of UK retailers. The lawsuit, brought by the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) at the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) in London, alleges that Amazon illegally misused retailer data and manipulated the Amazon Buy Box to benefit its own operations and increase its revenues and profits.
THE DETAILS The claim covers actions from October 2015 to the present, during which Amazon allegedly used non-public data from UK retailers on its marketplace. This data helped Amazon decide on new product entries, pricing, and target consumers, enabling it to compete directly with UK retailers and divert sales to its own products. Amazon’s practices reportedly caused significant financial harm to many small independent retailers in the UK, who were unaware of the misuse of their proprietary data.
THE WHY? his collective action seeks to address Amazon’s alleged unlawful conduct, which has unfairly disadvantaged UK retailers. By misusing confidential data and manipulating market dynamics, Amazon has inflated its profits at the expense of smaller retailers. The claim aims to secure compensation for the financial losses incurred and to ensure fair market practices in the future, thereby supporting the survival and growth of independent retailers in the UK.
Clinical aesthetics products refer to a category of products used in the field of medical aesthetics or cosmetic dermatology. These products are typically designed and formulated to be used under the supervision of healthcare professionals, such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or trained aestheticians. They are distinct from over-the-counter cosmetics in that they often contain active ingredients or formulations that require expertise in their application or administration.
Examples of clinical aesthetics products include:
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Dermal Fillers: Injectable substances used to add volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. Examples include hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm and Restylane.
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Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Injectables that temporarily paralyze facial muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles caused by repetitive movements, such as frown lines and crow's feet.
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Chemical Peels: Solutions applied to the skin to exfoliate and improve its texture. They can treat acne, pigmentation issues, and signs of aging.
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Laser and Light Therapies: Devices that emit focused light or laser energy to treat various skin conditions, including acne, scars, and signs of aging.
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Prescription Skincare Products: Formulations containing active ingredients like retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), hydroquinone, or prescription-strength antioxidants to address specific skin concerns under medical supervision.
