Josh Ong
Apple and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission reached a settlement earlier this month and had been awaiting court approval. Federal Court Justice Mordy Bromberg approved the fine, which amounts to US$2.29 million, on Thursday, the Associated Press reports.
The ACCC had taken issue with Apple's promotional materials for the launch of the third-generation iPad in Australia in March. The watchdog argued that advertisements for the 4G version of the device misled customers into thinking that it would work on Long Term Evolution networks in Australia.
Though Apple initially defended its actions, it eventually caved and rebranded the device. Last month, Apple began calling its 4G-capable tablet the "iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular," dropping the 4G claim from the product name. Apple now asserts that the device "supports very fast cellular networks," while warning consumers that it will not work with Australian 4G LTE networks.
Owing to its time zone, Australia was the first country to sell the iPad when it hit the market on March 16. The device became an immediate hit and was in short supply for weeks after the launch.
Charles Martin
Christine McKee
Malcolm Owen
AppleInsider Staff
William Gallagher
45 Comments
[quote name="AppleInsider" url="/t/150833/australian-judge-approves-2-3m-fine-against-apple-for-4g-ipad-marketing#post_2131669"]The device became an immediate hit and was in short supply for weeks after the launch.[/quote] Wonder how many were returned. In before, "But that's not the point!" I know.
We finally got stock again last week.
The labels on the boxes has changed, the 4G bit has gone.
It probably to a while for the court case to redefine the repackaging requirements.
Yay the drought is over we are back to selling lots of them again.
I should complain to the ACCC about the loss of commission which is a hell of a lot more than what an iPad purchaser lost over this.
Lots of legal cases seem to be coming to a head this week against Apple. PS: This is where iSheldon claims that I said Apple would never, ever, ever lose a case. [quote name="hill60" url="/t/150833/australian-judge-approves-2-3m-fine-against-apple-for-4g-ipad-marketing#post_2131678"]We finally got stock again last week. [/quote] Do you sell other tablets besides the iPad? If so, how they selling?
2.3 milion really???? Apple offered a full refund! Idiot judge. Australia is LUCKY to even have iPads and they fine Apple? Ridiculous.
[quote name="SolipsismX" url="/t/150833/australian-judge-approves-2-3m-fine-against-apple-for-4g-ipad-marketing#post_2131679"] PS: This is where iSheldon claims that I said Apple would never, ever, ever lose a case. [/quote] So now your obsessed with me because I caught your bluff in the last thread? Yikes!