SmartSky files antitrust lawsuit against Gogo seeking damages exceeding $1B

SmartSky Networks filed a comprehensive antitrust lawsuit against Gogo (GOGO), and Gogo Business Aviation in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. alleging illegal monopolistic practices in the air-to-ground ATG broadband inflight connectivity market for business aviation.The lawsuit alleges multiple violations of federal antitrust laws, including the Sherman Act and Clayton Act, as well as North Carolina state tort laws and the Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act, claiming that Gogo engaged in predatory pricing, misleading advertising, and exclusive dealing agreements to maintain its monopoly position in the ATG market. SmartSky is pursuing this case to protect innovation as well as to seek justice for unfair business practices. The company’s complaint contends that a systematic campaign of misinformation and exclusive dealing arrangements effectively blocked SmartSky’s access to critical distribution channels and created insurmountable barriers to market entry, stifling the innovation and competition customers depend on. The lawsuit seeks substantial damages potentially exceeding $1B. The legal action aims to address the alleged harm to competition and consumers in the aviation connectivity market. This new Complaint is separate and apart from the Intellectual Property case… The trial of that case is scheduled to begin in April.