Robles v. Domino’s Pizza, LLC (9th Cir. 2019)
Background & Claims:
Guillermo Robles, a legally blind individual, sued Domino’s in 2016 after he could not place
an online order on its website or mobile app using screen-reader technology, alleging that
Dominos’ digital platforms violated Title III of the ADA by denying him “full and equal
enjoyment” of goods and services.
Court Proceedings:
The district court ruled in Robles’s favor, finding that Domino’s digital services must comply
with ADA accessibility obligations under the “auxiliary aids and services” provision (42
U.S.C. § 12182(b)(2)(A)(iii)). In 2019, the Ninth Circuit affirmed, holding that websites and
apps associated with physical restaurants are subject to ADA standards. Courts can require
compliance with guidelines like WCAG as a remedy.
Outcome & Impact:
Domino’s petitioned the Supreme Court, which declined to review the case in October
2019—leaving the Ninth Circuit’s ruling intact . The verdict cemented liability for
websites/apps of brick-and-mortar businesses under ADA.