Apple in iPod class action suit
Apple Computer’s iPod battery problems aren’t going away.
Five class-action lawsuits accusing Apple of misrepresenting claims of the battery life in its iPod digital music player were filed at the end of December and, “The Company is beginning its investigation of these claims,” it promises in its quarterly report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
iPod users have been complaining about iPod battery life for some time, “particularly starting with the 3rd generation of the units introduced in 2003,” says a report in Mac Observer here.
“The issue gained some notoriety when Casey Neistat and his brother began a guerilla marketing campaign saying ‘iPod’s unreplaceable battery lasts only 18 months’.
“The brothers then filmed their efforts and released a video at iPodsDirtySecret.com that quickly swept the Internet. Wether [sic] or not it was related to this campaign, it was shortly thereafter that Apple began offering a battery replacement service for US$99.”
Now, “Five separate plaintiffs filed purported class action cases in various Northern California courts alleging misrepresentations by the Company relative to iPod battery life,” says Apple’s SEC filing.
“The complaints include causes of action for violation of California Civil Code Section 17200 (unfair competition), the Consumer Legal Remedies Action (’CLRA’) and claims for false advertising, fraudulent concealment and breach of warranty. The complaints seek unspecified damages and other relief. The Company is beginning its investigation of these claims. Plaintiffs have filed a motion to consolidate these claims in San Mateo County.
“The Company has opposed the motion on the grounds that Santa Clara County would be the most appropriate venue for consolidation. with the news that it’s now up against five class action suits claiming it misrepresented the battery life of its iPod digital music player.”
May 11th, 2004 at 4:16 pm
i pod minis rock