Santa Clara, CA: A consumer fraud class action lawsuit has been filed against coffee supplier Eko Brands, alleging the company misrepresents certain coffee filters as being compatible with the Keurig 2.0 brewing system.
Filed by Adam Starke, individually and for all others similarly situated, the lawsuit claims Eko represents its Ekobrew reusable filter for Keurig 2.0 and 1.0 single cup brewers as compatible with the Keurig 2.0 System. However, the suit claims, the Keurig 2.0 is designed only to function with Keurig-licensed or Keurig-manufactured filters. The Keurig 2.0 includes a sensor that determines whether the filter being used in the brewing is licensed or manufactured by Keurig, according to the suit.
The suit alleges Eko knew its filters were not compatible with the Keurig 2.0 brewing system. In order for the Eko filters to work, consumers must purchase "Freedom Stickers," which the Keurig 2.0 sensor will recognize and allow the brewing system to brew coffee, the complaint says. The stickers are also manufactured and supplied by Eko.
The suit claims unjust enrichment, violations of the Washington Unfair Business Practices Act, and violations of the New York Consumer Protection from Deceptive Acts and Practices Act. Starke and others in the class seek injunctive relief, actual and statutory damages, restitution and disgorgement, interests, attorney fees and other costs of the suit.
Plaintiffs are represented by attorney Mark Schlachet of the Law Offices of Mark Schlachet in Cleveland. The case was filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Case number 1:16-CV-00855-JG-CLP.
