A major computer manufacturer is being sued over allegations that it started warranties for its computers prior to customers purchasing the products, which violates California and Massachusetts state law.
Maury Adkins filed the suit on May 6 in Superior Court of California against Hewlett-Packard Co., claiming the company's limited warranty begins on the date of purchase except if a person buys computer hardware from a third-party retailer.
The lawsuit alleges a “corporate policy” starts the warranty for computer hardware “prior to the date of purchase by the consumer” if it is bought from a third-party retailer.
“As a result, consumers purchasing HP computer hardware from a third-party retailer do not receive the promised one-year warranty,” the lawsuit said.
The lawsuit also states HP doesn't tell customers that they can request a revised warranty to begin on their purchase date. If individuals don't do that around the time they purchase the hardware, then HP won't revise the warranty.
“Consumers...are denied warranty service for defects that arise during the limited warranty period,” the lawsuit said.
Adkins is seeking class status for those who purchased HP computers and didn't receive the full one-year warranty. He is also seeking an unspecified amount of damages in the lawsuit.
He is represented by Adam J. Gutride, Seth A. Safier and Marie A. McCrary of Gutride Safier LLP in San Francisco, Calif.
Superior Court of the State of California County of Santa Clara case number 5:15-cv-02035.