Italy threatens Apple with a higher fine for pitiful warranty period

A COURT IN ROME is threatening Apple with an additional fine of up to £240,000 if it fails to extend its one year warranty by another 12 months as required by Italian Law.

The cappuccino company received a fine from Italy's antitrust authority, or Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM) in December for avoiding consumer protection laws in the country, that is, the Italian Consumer Code, which offers the right to get two years of free assistance, irrespective of other warranties offered by a manufacturer.

Apple appealed the fine on 9 May, but according to Italian media the Regional Administrative Tribunal (TAR) of Lazio rejected Apple's appeal because it said the company gave Italian customers misleading information in order to sell more Applecare packages.

According to Reuters, Apple has since failed to comply with the antitrust request, offering only a one-year free guarantee that can only be extended if customers hand over more dosh.

"The antitrust (authority) has opened a procedure of non-compliance against Apple, complaining about two unlawful practices," a source told Reuters. "If they do not comply, they risk fines for up to 300,000 euros."

Apple declined our request to comment on the matter. It's going to have to respond to the Italian courts though, as it has only 30 days to pay up before the tribunal might take further action. µ