Investigation Into Apple Over iPod And iPad Warranties?

First published by Medialaws

On September 9 2011 an Italian consumer association, the Centro di Ricerca e Tutela dei Consumatori e degli Utenti, published a press release announcing that the Italian Competition Authority had initiated an investigation into four companies on the basis of the association's claim of alleged unfair commercial practices relating to warranties for Apple iPods and iPads. The four companies in question are Comet SpA (an Italian chain of consumer electronics stores), Apple Retail Italia Srl, Apple Italia Srl and Apple Sales International.

The association claims that some vendors of iPods and iPads in Italy have refused to enforce the two-year warranty which the Consumer Code (Legislative Decree 206/2005) provides. Under Sections 130 and 132 of the code, the vendor is liable to the consumer for any lack of conformity for two years after delivery of the goods. In its claim, the association notes that Apple Sales International provides a