A visually-impaired man has filed a class-action lawsuit against a luxury watch retailer, alleging that its website is inaccessible to blind and visually-impaired users. Andre Battle, the plaintiff, lodged the complaint on March 28, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Exquisite Timepieces, Inc.
Andre Battle claims that Exquisite Timepieces' website is not designed to be accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The complaint states that the website's lack of accessibility features violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates equal access to public accommodations for individuals with disabilities. According to Battle, who is legally blind and relies on screen-reading software to navigate websites, Exquisite Timepieces has failed to implement necessary web accessibility standards. These include alternative text for images and keyboard navigation options that would allow blind users to independently browse and purchase products online.
The lawsuit highlights several specific barriers encountered by Battle while attempting to shop on Exquisitetimepieces.com. He describes being unable to add items to his cart due to missing confirmation messages and unclear interactive elements. Additionally, ambiguous link texts and unexpected pop-up windows made it difficult for him to navigate the site using his screen reader. The complaint argues that these issues effectively exclude blind consumers from participating in online commerce through Exquisite Timepieces' platform.
Battle seeks a permanent injunction requiring Exquisite Timepieces to modify its website policies and practices so that it becomes fully accessible and usable by blind consumers. He also requests compensatory damages for himself and other class members who have faced similar discrimination due to the site's inaccessibility. The lawsuit calls for punitive damages as well as attorney fees and costs associated with bringing the case forward.
Representing Andre Battle in this legal action is attorney Uri Horowitz from Flushing, New York. The case is presided over by judges at the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois under Case No.: 1:25-cv-3325.