C
ompass and Northwest MLS are at odds over discovery as the case moves toward trial. The dispute began when Compass sued the Washington‑state MLS in April, alleging anticompetitive conduct. The latest clash centers on the exchange of documents.

    Earlier this month, Compass asked the judge to force NWMLS to hand over key records, claiming the MLS was evading its discovery duties. “Discovery opened in June, yet NWMLS has not started its custodial review or produced any custodial documents,” the filing said. NWMLS rebutted on December 22, stating it had already delivered seven volumes of responsive documents and was reviewing additional material. The MLS argued that Compass’s 72 broad requests required extensive resources to collect, review, and prepare responses, and that Compass’s claim of non‑production was incorrect.

    Discovery is scheduled to conclude by late January, after which the case will proceed to trial in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, Seattle, in 2026.

    Compass’s lawsuit accuses NWMLS of monopolistic practices. The conflict erupted in March when Compass launched a private listings campaign in Seattle, violating MLS rules and resulting in a two‑day suspension of its IDX feed. Compass also claims the MLS’s pre‑marketing and office‑exclusive rules limit seller choice and hinder its three‑phase marketing strategy. NWMLS maintains that its policies promote market transparency for sellers, buyers, and brokers. In June, the MLS alleged that Compass is withholding listings while demanding unrestricted access to all MLS listings.