FARGO (KFGO) - A federal judge has blocked a North Dakota law designed to protect farm equipment dealers. Four major manufacturers of farm implements filed a lawsuit that claims the law is unconstitutional.
The law permits North Dakota implement dealers to sell generic, rather than name-brand replacement parts.
The judge's order directs Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem not to enforce the measure until the issue can be resolved.
The complaint was filed by the association of equipment manufacturers, Agco, CNH, Deere & Co. and Kubota.
The companies claim the new law interferes with federal right-to-contract claims and copyright protection claims.