B.C. Woman Wins $2,356 in Legal Battle Against Apple

A British Columbia woman has successfully won a legal dispute against Apple Canada, receiving a total of $2,356.42 in damages for issues related to her MacBook Pro. The case, adjudicated by the BC Civil Resolution Tribunal, highlighted the challenges consumers face when dealing with large corporations over product defects.

The applicant, who purchased her MacBook Pro on October 4, 2020, reported a series of problems with the device within a year of her purchase. She initially noticed cracks appearing on the screen, which led her to seek repairs. After paying $968.80 for a repair in May 2022, she experienced further issues with the screen, prompting her father to buy her a new MacBook altogether.

According to the tribunal’s decision, the woman claimed damages amounting to $2,000 due to what she believed was a defective product. She argued that the damage was not a result of misuse, as the cracks appeared during normal usage, specifically while watching a movie.

Apple Canada, however, disputed these claims, asserting that the damage to the MacBook resulted from user error and was not covered under warranty. The company maintained that the issues were due to physical damage and claimed immunity from liability under the Sale of Goods Act and other consumer protection laws.

The tribunal found in favor of the applicant, rejecting Apple’s defense. It stated, “Apple also provided its own internal record, which says that the MacBook was repaired after suffering impact damage from a drop or hit. I place no weight on this document because Apple did not explain who made this record or what information it was based on.” This conclusion was supported by an affidavit from the applicant’s partner, who testified that the damage occurred during routine activities.

The tribunal also noted the lack of evidence supporting Apple’s claims, emphasizing that no external damage was evident that would suggest the MacBook had been mishandled. The decision underscored the importance of reliable evidence in consumer disputes, especially when large companies are involved.

Ultimately, the BC Civil Resolution Tribunal ordered Apple Canada to pay the requested damages along with tribunal fees, bringing the total financial obligation to $2,356.42. This ruling serves as a notable example of consumer rights being upheld against corporate entities, highlighting the complexities involved in product warranty disputes.