News

Trial Dates Set in ABA Lawsuit vs. Chains
-- 12/20/99

Judge William Orrik, who is presiding over the American Booksellers Association's antitrust lawsuit against Barnes & Noble and Borders Group, has set a trial date of April 9, 2001. The case will be heard in the U.S. District Court for Northern California. Last month Judge Orrik ruled that the ABA could add B&N and Borders's online divisions and other subsidiaries to their original complaint.

In a related issue, Judge Orrik ruled that the trial date in the antitrust lawsuit filed against the two chains by a separate group of independents will begin 90 days after the conclusion of the ABA case. The second suit, which began with six African-American booksellers, now has approximately 100 booksellers signed on as co-plaintiffs.