For years, **John Deere** maintained a near-monopoly on the repair of its sophisticated agricultural machinery, making it exceptionally difficult for farmers and independent repair providers (IRPs) to fix equipment without resorting to authorized dealerships. ### A Landmark FTC Settlement This month, **John Deere** settled a lawsuit brought by the **FTC** in 2025, which alleged the company’s control over repair tools and resources unlawfully restricted competition. The settlement requires **John Deere** to immediately make available a range of repair resources, with further provisions rolling out through the end of the year. Five states joined the **FTC** in this suit, and they will work in tandem over the next decade to ensure compliance. ### Broader Legal Pressures This **FTC** resolution follows a separate, farmer-initiated antitrust lawsuit against **John Deere** concerning right-to-repair issues. In April, **John Deere** agreed to a $99 million settlement in that case, which also included crucial right-to-repair provisions. ### The Digital Lock-Down Problem The **John Deere** saga highlights a growing concern in the digital age: as machines become increasingly computerized, companies leverage software and legal frameworks, such as the **Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)**, to control repairs. This not only restricts owners' ability to fix their property but can also turn unauthorized repairs into a potential criminal offense. **John Deere's** market dominance enabled it to dictate who could access repair tools and perform maintenance, creating a significant revenue stream built into its business model. This trend extends beyond farm equipment, encouraging manufacturers to produce complex, app-enabled devices that are difficult to fix at home, often for features few users genuinely want. ### The Essence of Ownership The challenges faced by farmers underscore the critical need for robust right-to-repair laws and enforcement. Imagine a farmer facing crop spoilage due to equipment downtime, waiting days or weeks for an authorized technician. This settlement aims to mitigate such scenarios. Ultimately, the issue transcends agricultural machinery. As the **Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)** aptly states, "If you can’t fix it, you don’t own it." Whether it’s a tractor, a car, a laptop, or a smartphone, being legally barred from self-repair places consumers at the mercy of corporations. The **EFF** continues to advocate for right-to-repair legislation and exemptions to laws that hinder device tinkering and repair, ensuring true ownership for consumers.