PC giant HP has been hit with a lawsuit by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for allegedly deceiving customers over faulty products and warranties.
The ACCC claims HP infringed Australian Consumer Law by making misleading representations to customers about product repair eligibility and warranty periods.
It said HP told customers they could not get replacements for products until they had been repaired multiple times, and also told customers returns would only be provided at HP’s discretion.
HP is also alleged to have advised customers the warranty period for its products were limited to an “express” period, and for any repairs or replacements needed after the expiration of the express period, HP would only repair faulty products if the customer paid for it.
The tech giant is also being accused of not honouring repairs and exchanges for its online store. The case will be heard in Sydney's Federal Court on December 7.
In a statement to CRN HP said it took seriously the matters raised by the ACCC and will fully investigate and respond appropriately.
The tech giant last week lost its crown as the world's largest PC maker. Rival Lenovo continued its ascent up the charts according to Gartner, which pegged it as the biggest global PC vendor with 13.8 million units shipped and 15.7 percent of the market, compared to HP's 13.6 million shipments and 15.5 percent of the market.
HP disputed the figures, claiming analyst firm IDC's figures were more representative as it took into account the workstation category.
IDC put HP as number one PC vendor, with 13.9 million shipments and 15.9 percent market share in its preliminary Q3 findings.
According to IDC, Lenovo came in second with with 13.8 million units and 15.7 percent market share.
Updated 4:24pm 16/10/12 with HP comment.
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