The Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED) halted IDX and VOW data feeds to Zillow and Trulia, triggering a preliminary injunction request in an ongoing antitrust lawsuit. The move disrupts Zillow's ability to display comprehensive listings in the region, intensifying a long-simmering conflict over data access and compensation.
The dispute centers on MRED's decision, which Zillow argues violates antitrust laws by restricting competition. MRED, a multiple listing service covering parts of Illinois and Wisconsin, is also facing scrutiny over its ties to Compass, a rival brokerage. The injunction seeks to restore data flows while the case proceeds.
Zillow contends the feed suspension harms consumers and agents by limiting market transparency. Without access to MRED's listing inventory, Zillow's platform may show incomplete data, reducing its usefulness for homebuyers and sellers in affected areas.
The legal filing underscores broader tensions in real estate tech, where portals like Zillow depend on MLS data. MRED and Compass have not publicly detailed their reasoning, but the case could set a precedent for data-sharing agreements.
Industry observers note that similar disputes have emerged in other markets, often settled privately. The outcome may influence how listing data is monetized and distributed across platforms.