Pearson, Cengage and McGraw-Hill targeted with class action lawsuit

A group of US independent college bookstores has filed a class action antitrust lawsuit in a Delaware federal court against textbook publishers Pearson, McGraw-Hill and Cengage, as well as chains Barnes & Noble Education and Follett. The suit alleges the defendants have shown anti-competitive behaviour in relation to "inclusive access" online course materials.

The suit claims the defendants conspired to protect historical price increases and "agreed on a plan to force upon the market a product that must be purchased anew from the Publishers by every single college student every single semester and those purchases can be made only from the Defendant Retailers, thereby eliminating all substitute products and retail competitors, including the significant secondary market for course materials."

The college bookstores allege this anti-competitive behaviour "harms the entire market—it results in a complete lack of choice for students, exponentially higher prices for students, and reduction in quality and variety of products and services offered to students".

Cengage issued a robust response in a statement, telling The Bookseller: "The complaint is entirely without merit and Cengage is prepared to defend vigorously against these allegations. Cengage has been and remains a forceful advocate for student and textbook affordability". Pearson said: "Pearson is aware of this lawsuit and is reviewing the complaint. Pearson stands by the inclusive access model, which offers real benefits to students, instructors and institutions."

McGraw-Hill declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Barnes & Noble Education and Follett have been approached for comment.