Judge Allows Depositions of LinkedIn Leaders in Antitrust Case

The decision marks the latest development in litigation pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, where LinkedIn is defending claims that it used its market position and contractual restrictions to limit competition. Reuters reported that the lawsuit is captioned Todd Crowder et al. v. LinkedIn Corp., Case No. 4:22-cv-00237-HSG.

According to Reuters, the judge rejected LinkedIn’s effort to prevent the plaintiffs from deposing a group of high-ranking executives. The individuals who may now be questioned include Hoffman, as well as other current and former company leaders.

Related: LinkedIn Seeks to Block Depositions of Senior Leaders in Ongoing Antitrust Class Action

The ruling follows earlier setbacks for LinkedIn in the same litigation. Reuters previously reported that the court declined to approve a proposed settlement, finding significant shortcomings in the agreement. That proposed resolution would have required LinkedIn to modify certain contracting practices but did not provide monetary compensation to affected users.

The plaintiffs allege LinkedIn maintained an unlawful monopoly in the professional social networking market through restrictive contractual provisions that hindered potential competitors, according to Reuters. LinkedIn has denied wrongdoing.

Reuters reported that the plaintiffs are represented by attorneys Yavar Bathaee and Brian Dunne of Bathaee Dunne, while LinkedIn is represented by Russell Cohen and Julia Chapman of Dechert.