#TECHNOLOGY NEWS AUGUST 17, 2017 / 9:48 AM / 17 MINUTES AGO

Uber wins reversal in lawsuit over price-fixing, arbitration

Jonathan Stempel
3 MIN READ

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Uber Technologies Inc (UBER.UL) on Thursday won a victory in its effort to keep unhappy customers from suing in court, persuading a federal appeals court to send a Connecticut passenger's price-fixing case into arbitration.

Overturning a lower court ruling, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan said Uber and former Chief Executive Officer Travis Kalanick provided the necessary "reasonably conspicuous" notice in online user agreements that disputes should be arbitrated.

"The Second Circuit's powerful and commonsense opinion will serve to protect online contracting and strengthen commerce nationwide," Theodore Boutrous, a lawyer for Uber, said in a statement. "We are thrilled with the decision."

Lawyers for the passenger, Spencer Meyer, and Kalanick did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Thursday's closely watched decision is a boost for internet companies hoping to enforce arbitration requirements, which are often buried in long lists of terms and conditions that customers may never see.

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