Prime Video Faces Class Action Over Digital Movie Ownership

Prime Video is facing a class action lawsuit in Washington Federal Court that could change  how viewers perceive digital movie purchases. 

The streaming platform, which launched in 2006 and expanded to Nigeria with over 50 Nollywood titles—including original films—offers movies for purchase alongside its rental and streaming options, often at competitive prices.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the lawsuit alleges that Prime Video misleads customers by suggesting they “own” movies when they actually receive a license to view the content. If Prime Video’s agreements with content providers are revoked, customers could lose access to purchased films.

While most viewers assume digital purchases grant permanent access, the lawsuit argues the platform’s confirmation pages clearly state: “You receive a license to the video and you agree to our terms.” The case raises broader questions about ownership in the digital media space.

Similar controversies have occurred in the gaming industry. In 2023, players lost access to The Crew after Ubisoft shut down the servers, illustrating the temporary nature of some digital purchases.

If the lawsuit succeeds, it could affect consumer behavior on Prime Video, potentially discouraging movie purchases. The streaming service has not yet publicly responded to the legal challenge.