Apple has been hit with another hefty fine in Italy over AppleCare for not taking the product of the shelves in time, 9to5Mac reports. The Cupertino based company was ordered to stop selling AppleCare in Italy at the end of 2011 (something redemanded last March), with the timeframe being set between 28 March and 11 November 2012.
Apple pushed this to the limit, only removing AppleCare from shelves in Italy on 9 November. This was deemed too close, and the Italian commerce authority has now ordered Apple to pay $264,000 in fines.
Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato:
In light of the above considerations, it was determined that Apple’s behavior during the period of 28th March 2012 – 10th November 2012 constitutes non-compliance with resolution no. 23155 of 21st December 2011, as modified by resolution no. 23193 of 11th January 2012.
If this is the first you’ve heard of this, the whole case is about Apple trying to make Italians pay for a two year guarantee – something that is a legal right in the country.
Honestly, I think Apple should have back down a while ago. Trying an Italian’s patience is never a good idea, and I think that Apple has learnt its lesson.
