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Contingencies
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2023
Loss Contingency [Abstract]  
Contingencies Contingencies
Legal Matters
From time to time, we may become party to claims, investigations, proceedings, and other litigation, in the ordinary course of business. We assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes with respect to these matters and determines loss contingency assessments on a gross basis after assessing the probability of incurrence of a loss and whether a loss is reasonably estimable. In addition, we consider other relevant factors that could impact our ability to reasonably estimate a loss. A determination of the amount of reserves required, if any, for these contingencies is made after analyzing each matter. Our reserves may change in the future due to new developments or changes in strategy in handling these matters. Although the results of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, we currently believe that the final outcome of currently pending legal matters will not have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Regardless of the outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on us because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources, and other factors.
Choi v. Coupang, Inc. et al
On August 26, 2022, a putative class action was filed on behalf of all purchasers of Coupang Class A common stock pursuant and/or traceable to Coupang’s registration statement issued in connection with our initial public offering. The action was brought against Coupang, Inc., and certain of its former and current directors, current officers, and certain underwriters of the offering. The action was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York alleging inaccurate and misleading or omitted statements of material fact in Coupang's Registration Statement in violation of Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933. To date, the Court has not named a lead plaintiff and the specific claims may be amended. The action seeks unspecified compensatory damages, attorneys’ fees, and reasonable costs and expenses. We believe that the action is without merit and intend to vigorously defend against it. A reasonable estimate of the amount of any possible loss or range of loss cannot be made at this time. Accordingly, we can provide no assurance as to the scope and outcome of this matter and no assurance as to whether our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows will not be materially adversely affected.
Korean Fair Trade Commission Investigations
On June 28, 2021, the Korean Fair Trade Commission (“KFTC”) initiated an investigation into a potential violation of the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act (the “Fair Trade Act”), including alleged preferential treatments of private labelled products provided by our subsidiary, Coupang Private Label Business (“CPLB”). The KFTC is also investigating us on other matters related to the alleged violations of the KFTC regulations. We are diligently cooperating with these investigations, and actively defending our practices as appropriate.
Under Korean law, the issues addressed in the investigations can be resolved through civil, administrative, or criminal proceedings. The ultimate case resolution could include fines, orders to alter our processes or procedures, and criminal investigations or charges against individuals or us. We cannot reasonably estimate any penalties, loss or range of loss that may arise from the various KFTC Investigations. Accordingly, we can provide no assurance as to the scope and outcome of these matters and no assurance as to whether our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows will not be materially adversely affected.