Chicago Court Weights Control of Listing Data in Zillow-MRED Dispute

Chicago Court Weights Control of Listing Data in Zillow-MRED Dispute

A federal judge in Chicago is currently weighing arguments that could fundamentally reshape the distribution of residential real estate listings. Following the submission of post-hearing briefs in early July, Zillow Group, Inc. and Compass, Inc. are locked in a legal dispute with Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED) regarding antitrust claims and the control of listing feeds.

The core of the conflict centers on Zillow’s “Listing Access Standards,” introduced in April 2025. These standards prohibit a home from appearing on Zillow’s platform if it is not available on Internet Data Exchange (IDX) or Virtual Office Website (VOW) feeds within one business day of being marketed. This policy directly impacts Compass, which markets private exclusive listings before they reach the broader MLS.

Zillow’s 48-page filing alleges that MRED and Compass acted “in lockstep” to block these standards. The portal accuses Compass of routing failed private exclusive listings through MRED to trigger rules violations, citing an October 2025 email where Compass CEO Robert Reffkin allegedly urged multiple MLSs to discipline Zillow by terminating feed access. Zillow contends that losing access to MRED’s feed would cause irreparable harm, warning that a reduction in listing supply below 50% in Chicagoland would damage its business model.

Conversely, MRED and Compass present a 40-page joint brief arguing that any harm to Zillow is “self-inflicted.” They maintain that Zillow’s subjective bans obscure transparency, pushing sellers toward secret listings rather than the open MLS. MRED asserts its display rules rely on objective criteria derived from a 2008 Department of Justice settlement designed to prevent MLSs from hiding listings from consumer portals. MRED CEO Rebecca Jensen reportedly expressed “disgusted” reactions during testimony regarding Zillow’s awareness of potential rule violations.

As the market awaits a ruling, shares of the involved companies have shown slight movement. Zillow Group was recently trading at $34.09, representing a gain of 1.16%. Compass shares were down 0.35%, trading at $11.42.

What to watch

• Ruling from Judge John Tharp Jr. regarding Zillow’s request for an injunction and the likelihood of success at trial.
• Potential changes to listing display rules across other MLSs should the court set a precedent.
• Future earnings reports from Zillow and Compass for any impact on audience reach or listing volume.

Source: original release