Comcast Facing Lawsuit Over Set-Top Box Rentals

Multichannel News reports that a woman from California has initiated a potential class-action lawsuit against Comcast for making customers rent a set-top box without giving them the option to buy it outright. Quoting: "The action, on behalf of Comcast Corp. customer Cheryl Corralejo, alleges that the set-top rental practice represents an 'unlawful tying arrangement resulting in an impermissible restraint of trade.' In addition to violating the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, the suit alleges the practice violates business and professions codes. ... [It also notes] that premium video and the set-top descramblers are two distinct products, yet the cable providers require that the hardware be rented from cable companies, rather than permitting consumers to purchase the set-top hardware in the open market.

Suit violates the Sherman Anti-Trust Act?

[noidentity]

In addition to violating the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, the suit alleges the practice violates business and professions codes.

I think the plaintiff had better clean up her Sherman Anti-Trust Act violations first.