Amazon Requests Dismissal of Lawsuit Regarding Prime Video Ads

Amazon is currently facing a legal battle with seven Prime users who are upset about the company’s decision to include ads in their streaming videos. These users claim they were charged an extra $2.99 per month for an ad-free experience on top of their existing annual subscriptions. However, Amazon argues that these Prime users still have access to all the benefits they originally signed up for, including full access to Prime Video.

The dispute began when California resident Wilbert Napoleon sued Amazon back in February over the introduction of ads in videos for Prime members unless they paid an additional fee. In September 2023, Amazon announced their plans to introduce ads in streamed content, but only for those who did not opt for the ad-free upgrade. It’s important to note that ads are not inserted into videos that users have purchased or rented.

Napoleon and other Prime users who joined the lawsuit later claim that Amazon violated their contract and a Washington consumer protection law. Some of the users are currently paying the extra fee for ad-free videos, while others have opted not to pay for the upgrade.

Amazon argues that the plaintiffs are not actually “Prime Video” subscribers, but rather Prime members who have access to Prime Video as part of their subscription package. The company maintains that the terms for Prime Video subscribers, who pay separately for the video service, do not apply to users who have a more comprehensive Prime membership.

Amazon also disputes the claim that the Prime Video service was promised to remain ad-free indefinitely. The company argues that none of the users were harmed by the inclusion of ads, as they still have full access to Prime Video. In fact, Amazon points out that the two plaintiffs who paid for the ad-free upgrade chose to do so voluntarily, and therefore caused their own perceived harm.

The decision on whether the case will proceed is still pending, as U.S. District Court Judge Barbara Rothstein has yet to announce a ruling.