U.S. judge refuses to block Keurig machines that reject other brands

(Reuters) – A U.S. federal judge on Friday refused
to block Keurig Green Mountain Inc from selling a
coffee machine with “lockout” technology that prevents it from
accepting coffee pods made by other companies.

Coffee company Rogers Family Co asked U.S. District Judge
Vernon Broderick of the Southern District of New York in lower
Manhattan to issue an injunction blocking the sale of the
machines on August 11. But Broderick denied Rogers’ request on
Friday, with his opinion explaining the ruling sealed.

Rogers claims that Keurig violated antitrust laws by selling
machines that only accept Keurig’s proprietary pods, known as
K-cups. Keurig launched its new locked machine last month.

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