Towards the end of last year, the OFT raised concerns about the standard terms and conditions used by the Apple and iTunes stores.
As a result, Apple Inc has agreed to change its terms for the Apple and iTunes stores so that they are clearer, fairer and in accordance with the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999.
Before the investigation, the terms:
- excluded liability for faulty or misdescribed goods
- did not comply with the Distance Selling Regulations 2000
- were drafted in a way that was not ‘in plain and intelligible language’
- potentially gave Apple the opportunity to increase prices after an agreement was made.
The Legal Director of the OFT said: “The contract or terms of use between a company and a consumer, whether they are found online or on paper, must be clear, fair and easy to understand. In particular, it is important that consumers are given clear and accurate information about their consumer rights in case things go wrong.”
If your business deals directly with consumers and you would like your standard terms of business reviewed, contact Christine Jackson for an initial, no obligation consultation.
