- The real estate powerhouses, Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) and MLS Inc. showed Zillow the door by filing a motion to dismiss the latter’s antitrust lawsuit against them. Talk about turning the tables!
- Zillow, the digital real estate company that’s always ready to rumble, filed an antitrust lawsuit back in July 2021. They argued that ARMLS and MLS Inc. were restricting their data access, which seemed like a classic board game move to topple the king – only in this version, the king is a tech giant.
- In this escalating soap opera, ARMLS, and MLS Inc. alleged that Zillow has no case. They claimed that Zillow’s claims of restricted access were erroneous. Zillow might have a big-name reputation, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it gets to win every sandbox fight.
- ARMLS and MLS Inc. further argued that Zillow is not a potential competitor but rather a customer of MLSs. They showed up to the court hearing with their version of “Sorry, not sorry” and turned Zillow’s arguments upside down. Shocking, isn’t it?
- Lastly, the two slapped Zillow with another claim – that Zillow’s lawsuit is strategically timed in order to gain leverage in current contract negotiations. Yep, just like that high school chess club drama all over again.
Hot Take
Dust off your legal jargon dictionary folks, because this lawsuit is playing out like a perfectly scripted drama. Zillow, the tech titan, peering down from its digital castle, has taken a stump by the veritable David’s of the real estate world, the Arizona Regional MLS and MLS Inc. It’s like watching a Goliath stoop to conquer battle, but with a twist. When Zillow cried foul over restricted data access, the dynamic duo counteracted with a compelling argument that Zillow is less of a competitor and more of a customer. In true soap opera fashion, they even implied Zillow’s lawsuit was a calculated move – drama never sleeps in the world of real estate, folks.
Then again, it could be a strategic chess move on the part of ARMLS and MLS Inc, instantly raising their brand profile. After all, who doesn’t love a good underdog story? The takeaway here is that while the digital edge gives Zillow some heft, these real world players, like ARMLS and MLS Inc., aren’t about to get checked-mate. As the drama unfolds, remember to keep your popcorn popped and your chessboard ready. The real estate industry continues to remain, startlingly, the world’s most intense board game.
ARMLS and MLS Inc. vs. Zillow: Battle of the MLSs
Original article: https://www.inman.com/2024/02/21/mlss-push-to-dismiss-antitrust-charges-from-zillow-showingtime/
