Agreement Between Deere & Co. and Government Agencies Over Equipment Repair Access

Deere & Co. 與政府機構就設備維修權限達成協議

Jul 8, 2026, 22:38

Introduction

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and several state attorneys general have reached an agreement with Deere & Co. to ensure that equipment owners and independent technicians can access the tools needed for repairs.

聯邦貿易委員會 (FTC) 與多位州總檢察長已與 Deere & Co. 達成協議，以確保設備擁有者與獨立技術人員能夠獲取維修所需的工具。

Main Body

The legal case began in January 2025 when the FTC and attorneys general from five states filed an antitrust lawsuit. They claimed that Deere & Co. created an illegal monopoly by limiting access to important diagnostic software and tools, which forced customers to use authorized dealerships. This action follows a previous $99 million settlement from April of the same year; however, this new agreement focuses on providing technical access rather than paying money to consumers.

這起法律案件始於 2025 年 1 月，當時 FTC 與五個州的總檢察長提起了一項反壟斷訴訟。他們指稱 Deere & Co. 透過限制重要診斷軟體與工具的獲取權，建立了非法壟斷，強迫客戶必須使用授權經銷商。此行動是在同年 4 月一項 9,900 萬美元的和解協議之後進行的；然而，這次新協議的重點在於提供技術權限，而非向消費者支付金錢。

According to the terms of the order, Deere & Co. must provide diagnostic and repair resources, such as software for resetting codes, to independent shops and owners. Furthermore, authorized dealers are forbidden from punishing customers who use non-authorized repair services. To make sure the company follows these rules, the FTC will monitor them for ten years, and the company must pay $1 million to the states to cover the costs of enforcing the agreement.

根據命令條款，Deere & Co. 必須向獨立維修店與擁有者提供診斷與維修資源，例如重設代碼的軟體。此外，授權經銷商被禁止懲罰使用非授權維修服務的客戶。為了確保公司遵守這些規則，FTC 將對其進行為期十年的監控，且公司必須向各州支付 100 萬美元，以支付執行協議的成本。

Different groups have different views on the result. The Arizona Attorney General stated that the old system was a monopoly that hurt farmers. On the other hand, Deere & Co. Vice President Denver Caldwell asserted that the settlement matches the company's current goals for flexible repair options. Advocacy groups, such as Repair.org, described the outcome as a major victory for consumer rights, although they emphasized that the success of the deal depends on how well the resources are actually provided.

不同群體對結果有不同看法。亞利桑那州總檢察長表示，舊系統是一個傷害農民的壟斷。另一方面，Deere & Co. 副總裁 Denver Caldwell 則堅稱，此和解協議符合公司目前對於靈活維修選項的目標。如 Repair.org 等倡導團體將此結果描述為消費者權益的重大勝利，儘管他們強調，協議的成功取決於資源實際提供的成效。

Conclusion

Deere & Co. will now provide more repair access to third parties while being monitored by the federal government for ten years.

Deere & Co. 現將向第三方提供更多維修權限，同時接受聯邦政府為期十年的監控。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The 'Sophistication Shift': Moving from A2 to B2

At the A2 level, you likely say 'but' or 'and'. To hit B2, you need to use Connectors of Contrast and Addition. These words act as signals to the reader that your argument is becoming more complex.

🧩 The 'Pivot' Words

Look at how the text changes direction. Instead of using simple words, it uses these 'Power Connectors':

However $\rightarrow$ $\to$ Used to introduce a surprising or opposite point.
- A2 style: It cost money, but this is about tools.
- B2 style: This action follows a settlement; however, this new agreement focuses on technical access.
On the other hand $\rightarrow$ $\to$ Used to balance two different opinions.
- A2 style: The General hates it, but the VP likes it.
- B2 style: The Attorney General stated the system hurt farmers. On the other hand, the Vice President asserted it matches company goals.
Furthermore $\rightarrow$ $\to$ Used to add a second, stronger point to an argument.
- A2 style: They must give tools and they can't punish people.
- B2 style: Deere & Co. must provide resources. Furthermore, authorized dealers are forbidden from punishing customers.

🛠️ Vocabulary Upgrade: 'Say' vs. 'Assert'

B2 speakers don't just 'say' things. They describe how something is said.

A2 Word	B2 Upgrade (from text)	Why it's better
Said	Asserted	It shows the speaker is confident and firm.
Claimed	Emphasized	It shows the speaker is highlighting a specific, important point.
Results	Outcome	It sounds more professional and final.

Pro Tip: Try replacing "But" with "However" in your next writing piece. Just remember: However usually starts a new sentence and is followed by a comma!

Vocabulary Learning

antitrust (adj.)

Relating to laws that prevent companies from forming monopolies and restricting competition.

Example:The government filed an antitrust lawsuit to stop the company from dominating the entire market.

monopoly (n.)

Complete control of a product or service in a particular market by one company.

Example:The company created a monopoly by forcing all customers to use their specific repair tools.

settlement (n.)

An official agreement that ends a legal dispute or lawsuit.

Example:The two parties reached a settlement to avoid a long and expensive trial in court.

forbidden (adj.)

Not allowed; banned by a rule or law.

Example:Smoking is strictly forbidden inside the hospital building.

enforcing (v.)

Making sure that a law, rule, or agreement is obeyed.

Example:The police are responsible for enforcing traffic laws on the highway.

asserted (v.)

Stated a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.

Example:The manager asserted that the new strategy would increase sales by twenty percent.

advocacy (n.)

Public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy.

Example:The organization is known for its advocacy of environmental protection and sustainability.

emphasized (v.)

Gave special importance or attention to something in speaking or writing.

Example:The teacher emphasized that the final project is worth half of the total grade.

Practice B2 words in a crossword→