According to published reports, a federal judge has ruled that the state of North Dakota cannot enforce “or institute an action for any alleged violation” of a new law designed to protect farm equipment dealers.

The law, known as the “Dealer Bill of Rights,” was subject to numerous legal appeals by manufacturers at the state and appellate court levels.

The Associated Press reports John Deere and other farm equipment manufacturers faced off this week against the state of New Hampshire over the so-called Auto Dealer Bill of Rights law, which lawmakers expanded to encompass manufacturers of tractors and yard and garden equipment.

Auto dealers will have greater flexibility in their dealings with auto manufacturers after the House voted on Wednesday 338-30 to approve Senate Bill 126. The "Auto Dealers Bill of Rights" changes business practices between manufacturers and their dealers, giving local auto and construction and farm equipment dealers more flexibility to run their franchises. All other states have similar laws.