New Delhi, Aug. 15 -- Amazon.com Inc. reintroduced a clause in its user agreement that could stop customers from filing class-action lawsuits against the company. The move gives Amazon greater legal protection against plaintiffs' attorneys, a provision it had removed five years ago.

In an email sent to customers on Friday, the company said a new "arbitration agreement and class-action waiver" will require shoppers to resolve disputes outside the courts, but they could still file small-claims cases, which typically limit damages to a few thousand dollars.

Amazon said the changes are effective immediately, and customers agree to the terms by continuing to use the company's services. Often, companies alert customers to upcoming changes to ...