Fair Isaac Sues Credit Repositories

Fair Isaac Corp., Minneapolis, has filed a lawsuit in the federal district court in Minneapolis against the three major credit repositories, as well as VantageScore Solutions LLC, alleging that they violated antitrust laws and engaged in unfair competitive practices.A statement from Fair Isaac contends that the three repositories could manipulate the credit score price, sales, and distribution process to promote the VantageScore product over the FICO score or any other credit scoring product. Tom Grudnowski, chief executive officer of Fair Isaac, said the three credit reporting agencies "have been our primary U.S. distribution partners for Fair Isaac's scores for more than 15 years. Now, the credit agencies are using their position to drive adoption of their own score to the detriment of our competing FICO score product and in conflict with their obligations to distribute our product." A statement from Equifax said the suit is without merit and that it plans to defend itself and VantageScore Solutions, which markets the VantageScore product founded by the three repositories. It said VantageScore increases competition and gives consumers more choice. Calls to Experian, TransUnion, and VantageScore had not been returned by MortgageWire's deadline.