The ongoing rivalry in the food delivery sector has taken a new turn as one major player seeks to dismiss a lawsuit from another. DoorDash has approached a California Superior Court, requesting the dismissal of a lawsuit initiated by Uber, which accuses the food delivery service of undermining competition by pressuring restaurant owners into exclusive agreements.
In its legal motion, DoorDash contends that Uber’s allegations are unfounded and lack substantial evidence. The company expressed its views in a recent statement, asserting that the lawsuit represents a desperate attempt by a competitor to evade genuine competition. DoorDash criticized Uber’s approach, stating that it is disheartening to see a company that once thrived on innovation resorting to such tactics.
Furthermore, DoorDash emphasized its commitment to fair competition, asserting that it will robustly defend its practices. The company positions itself as a fierce yet fair competitor, dedicated to providing exceptional value to its partners in the restaurant industry.
A court hearing is scheduled for July 11 in San Francisco County, where both parties will present their arguments.
Uber initially filed the lawsuit in February, claiming that DoorDash, which dominates the U.S. food delivery market, has been threatening restaurants with severe penalties or adverse changes to their visibility on the DoorDash platform if they do not comply with exclusive agreements.
In response to DoorDash’s dismissal request, Uber issued a statement, asserting that the allegations made in their complaint are clear and valid. They argue that when restaurants are faced with the choice of accepting unfair terms or facing retaliation, it constitutes coercion rather than competition. Uber remains committed to advocating for a fair marketplace for all merchants and looks forward to presenting its case in court.
Uber has also requested a jury trial in its original complaint, although it has not disclosed the specific damages it is seeking.
In a related development, Deliveroo has confirmed that DoorDash has made an offer to acquire the European food delivery service for $3.6 billion, indicating the competitive landscape in this industry is rapidly evolving.