One of the ads that was disputed by the NACS

The National Association of College Stores — a trade association that represents more than 3,100 college bookstores — was none too pleased last year when Amazon.com touted an offer for students to save up to 60 percent on new textbooks; up to 90 percent on used textbooks; and as much as 60 percent off when . The association filed a complaint over Amazon’s advertising, calling the claims “misleading” and “deceptive.”

Amazon.com countered with a lawsuit in federal court in Seattle.

Now, the dispute has ended with the NACS saying that the litigation has been resolved.

“Amazon may change its advertising in 2012 and later years, and it would not serve the college store industry well if we were to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars litigating about advertisements that may no longer be used in the future,” said NACS President Danny Key in a statement.

NACS had sought to have the federal case dismissed on jurisdictional grounds, but the court denied the motion.

No money is being exchanged as part of the settlement announced today, and the NACS and Amazon.com have agreed not to challenge each other for at least one year over similar issues.

The NACS statement continued:

NACS is pleased that it was able to resolve this case efficiently, and that it has brought to the forefront once again the need for all retailers, whether physical stores or on-line sellers, the need to substantiate the claims that they make in their advertising. NACS is convinced that students receive the best value for their textbook-buying dollars by purchasing course materials, whether in print or online, in or through the college store. Whether the student wants a new physical book, a used book, a course-pack, a rental, or an electronic book, the college store offers a range of options at the best value, and it remains the most accessible, user-friendly option for college students, while also supporting higher education.

 

Like what you're reading? Subscribe to GeekWire's free newsletters to catch every headline

Job Listings on GeekWork

Find more jobs on GeekWork. Employers, post a job here.