A Northern California judge expressed skepticism regarding the validity of an antitrust lawsuit against luxury retailer Hermes. During an initial case management conference and motion to dismiss, Judge Donato indicated that Hermes can conduct its business as it sees fit and questioned the alleged antitrust injury. The lawsuit accuses Hermes of unlawfully tying the sale of its Birkin handbag to other expensive items, but the judge suggested the plaintiffs should amend their complaint to better demonstrate how competition has been foreclosed. The judge also noted, 'No client says I had an Hermes belt shoved down my throat, but I really wanted a Prada belt.'