1. In 2004, Toys R Us sued Amazon.com for violating terms of the agreement between thecompanies; specifically, Toys R Us objected to Amazon.coms permitting AmazonMarketplace retailers to sell toys (Note: when the lawsuit was filed, Amazon Marketplacewas called zShops). Amazon.com responded by filing a countersuit. After more than twoyears of litigation, a New Jersey Superior Court judge ruled that the agreement had beenviolated by both parties. The judge ordered that the agreement be terminated and deniedboth companies claims for monetary damages. Amazon.com appealed the ruling. In 2009,an appellate court affirmed the lower court ruling but reversed the ruling on damages, whichhad awarded Toys R Us $93 million plus interest. In June 2009, the two companies finallyagreed in an out of court settlement that Amazon.com would pay damages of $51 million. Use your favorite search engine and the links in the Online Companion for Case C1 toreview the courts findings and rulings. Prepare a report of about 200 words in which yousummarize each companys arguments and the rationale given by the judges for their decisions.Conclude the report by stating what you believe the outcome of the dispute shouldhave been and why.
2. Outline the advantages and disadvantages that Amazon.com would have considered beforeit made the agreement with Toys R Us to limit competing toy sales. In about 200 words,summarize these advantages and disadvantages, then evaluate Amazon.coms decision toenter such an agreement.
3. In about 200 words, outline specific recommendations you would have made toAmazon.com in 2004 for negotiating a settlement with Toys R Us that would have benefitedboth companies and avoided litigation.
4. In 2009, Amazon.com purchased Zappos, a highly successful shoe retailer that was startedin 1999. Many industry observers believe that the design and layout of the Zappos Web sitehas been an important element in the companys success. Visit the Zappos site and compareits layout and operation to the Amazon.com site. Determine whether Amazon.comshould fold Zappos into its Web site or keep it operating in its current form. State and justifyyour position in the form of a memo to Amazon.com top management of about 300 words.
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