Hermès has requested a US judge to dismiss a “far-fetched” consumer lawsuit accusing it of requiring customers to purchase other items before allowing them to buy its highly coveted Birkin handbags. The lawsuit, filed in March in San Francisco federal court, alleges Hermès unfairly ties the sale of Birkin bags, which can cost thousands of dollars and are handmade, to the purchase of additional products like jewelry and shoes. Hermès argued that even customers without previous purchases can buy a Birkin and that such a sales strategy, even if true, would not violate US antitrust laws, which don't penalize companies for producing superior products. The company also stated that it faces significant competition in the luxury market, which undermines the plaintiffs’ claims of unlawful sales practices. The lawyers for both parties have not yet responded to requests for comments on the matter.