Overview

• The Landgericht Köln ruled that Netflix's unilateral price hikes from 2019 to 2022 were invalid, ordering a €200 refund to a plaintiff.
• The court found Netflix's consent mechanism, requiring users to click a 'price increase agree' button, insufficient for valid contractual acceptance.
• Consumer advocacy groups, including Stiftung Warentest and WBS Law, have provided template letters for other subscribers to seek refunds.
• Refund claims are limited to overpayments made since January 1, 2022, due to Germany's three-year statute of limitations.
• Netflix disputes the ruling, and consumer authorities are evaluating potential collective litigation to address broader subscriber grievances.