Apple targeted in absurd class-action suit over iOS Maps
In the latest installment of crazy folks suing Apple for absurd reasons, we have a class-action suit against Apple alleging that Apple's missteps with its Maps app for iOS rendered the device unworkable. Specifically, the suit alleges that Apple is guilty of unfair competition, false advertising and a host of other allegations that will likely not hold water in court.
News of the lawsuit comes courtesy of Patently Apple who has a complete breakdown of the lawsuit. Here's a quick rundown of some of the more absurd claims.
First, the lawsuit notes that Apple's iPhone is sold with a warranty indicating that the device is "free of defects in materials and workmanship."
The lawsuit claims that that "the Apple Devices at issue are not fit for its advertised purpose of providing a product that contains a Map function which accurately directs the user to the desired destination, accurately depicts landmarks, etc."
The lawsuit further reads:
Defendant has breached its warranty obligations by not agreeing to refund the purchase price of the Apple devices to dissatisfied customers and not agreeing to replace without charge all flawed Apple Maps applications.
Defendant's breach of the warranty was a substantial factor in causing Plaintiff and the Class to suffer economic losses and other general, consequential and specific damages, according to proof.
These types of allegations are rather common in frivolous lawsuits and always leave me scratching my head. Apple, in fact, does have a return policy. You just have to return the device within the requisite time period. Didn't we go through this same ridiculous and tired song and dance with the iPhone 4 and antennagate?
Besides, users unsatisfied with Apple's take on Maps can just as easily download Google Maps; you know, the mapping app that graced all iPhones pre-iOS 6.
The plaintiff in this case also alleges that the iPhone is not "in merchantable condition" because it doesn't work flawlessly insofar as directions are sometimes wrong and landmarks are not always accurately labeled. Consequently, the lawsuit notes, the iPhone cannot be used for the "ordinary purpose for which" it was sold.
I won't bore you with every detail from the lawsuit, but rest assured that almost every argument boils down to something akin to the following: "Apple sold me an iPhone and the Maps app did not work perfectly. Apple's actions in selling me the iPhone were misleading and deceptive."
While this case is likely to go nowhere, it helps underscore why Apple is the most sued tech company on the planet.
