US consumers have expanded their lawsuit against French luxury house Hermès, accusing it of requiring buyers to spend thousands on other products before being allowed to purchase a Birkin bag. A third plaintiff joined the class action in San Francisco federal court, originally filed in March. The lawsuit claims Hermès only offers Birkin bags to customers with sufficient purchase history, masking a hidden lottery system. Hermès has called the lawsuit “far-fetched,” stating that customers without a purchase history can still buy a Birkin. The amended complaint highlights the Birkin bag’s exclusivity and argues that rival brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton lack its unique status. The complaint also cites Hermès’ statements from a 2022 trademark lawsuit, emphasizing the Birkin’s scarcity and investment value.