Apple resellers, consumers sue Mac maker

A group of Apple Computer resellers and consumers has banded together to file a class action suit against the company.

In the suit, filed in the California Superior Court in San Francisco, the resellers and consumers accuse Apple of not honoring warranties, misappropriating trade secrets from its resellers, unlawful business practices and packaging old kit as new, among other charges.

Apple, which recently filed suit against three online journalists it claimed had leaked Apple's secrets, now finds itself on the receiving end of such a suit, with the resellers claiming the company has been using confidential reseller information in order to boost sales at Apple's own stores and cut the resellers out.

The resellers also claim that Apple ensured its own stores' shelves were stocked more plentifully and ahead of resellers'. Apple also stands accused of deliberately undercutting the resellers' prices and failing to extend warranties while its products were being repaired, according to reports.

At the time of publishing Apple had not responded to requests for comment.

The case isn't the first time aggrieved resellers have got litigious with Apple. Another reseller coalition, headed by MACadam store owner Tom Santos and Elite Computers and Software boss Thomas Armes, is currently at the centre of a legal battle, claiming Apple's actions promoted the company's own stores to the detriment of resellers and, as a result, have driven resellers out of business.

Jo Best of Silicon.com reported from London.

[cashbo77]

Apple and Lawsuits

It is driving me nuts that once Apple is finally making a name for itself and being successful, everybody and their brother feels that they should sue Apple for something... three words... GET A LIFE!

[System Tyrant]

Hey if they did what they are accussed of...

then they deserve it. On the other hand though, to some extent it kind of sounds like retribution for Apple lawsuit.

[tlite722]

typical...

i love it when apple supporters find anything to excuse what they slam microsoft and/or other PC vendors for...making a buck and protecting their business. cmon man, be at least honest with yourself...if you replaced the word apple in the story with microsoft, you would be crying foul with a go get em attitude for the plaintiffs. try it...its kinda fun.

seems like apple is in business to make money after all...just keeping it real.

Honestly

Apple may have or may have not done it. With that said, I'm sure Steve Jobs isn't the one going after this, it's the people responsible for re-seller relationships. There's probably someone up in there, who doesn't do their job, so they steal from the re-sellers and they won't get caught.

Of course, there's been no verdict on this yet so that's pure speculation.

Well. Either way. I'll still use a Mac til the day that I die, or the innovation dies. And I'd rather put a bullet through the back of my skull than own a IBM clone, ANY DAY.

[catchall]

I got a few extra

Bullets, that is. And I would be more then happy to help you out.

Nice copout, by the way. This is indeed a direct result of Steve Jobs and the way he wishes to run his company. Any time a company shifts between resellers and direct to market, there are going to be problems and disruption. Resellers, which have literally kept Apple in business as Apples market share has eroded away, of course feel left out. And dont try and kid anyone that Apple doesnt favor its stores. Like any company, it will favor the highest returns.

Is what they are doing against the law? That is for a court to decide, and remains to be seen. Has Apple shafted those that help it out? Yes, and it is called a business decision. One that is intended to make Apple a better all around company. I don't envy anyone who has to make those kinds of decisions.