Source: https://vi.scribd.com/document/367854131/Violetta-Mailyan-vs-Apple-Class-Action-of-Purposely-Slowing-IPhones
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 19:50:35+00:00

Document:
18 ) Code § 17200 et seq.
24 of all similarly situated (“Class”) asserts the following claims against Apple Inc.
28 State of California, County of Los Angeles.
15 5. and Plaintiff will amend this complaint when their true 9 names.S.C. and minimal diversity exists because at list one 14 Plaintiff is a citizen of a different state than Defendant. This Court has jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U. and iPhone 8. but not limited to iPhone 4. 22 7. and a substantial part of the events and omissions giving rise to this 18 action occurred in this District. Plaintiff and Class have owned different iPhone models for years. Each is therefore liable for 7 the acts alleged in this complaint. Plaintiff is informed and believes and thereon alleges that Does 1 through 4 100 are persons. Before or after a new iPhone was announced or introduced in the market. corporations. purposefully slowed down 2 COMPLAINT . partnerships. iPhone 7. The true names. Defendant. Defendant is a California corporation. Case 2:17-cv-09192 Document 1 Filed 12/23/17 Page 2 of 9 Page ID #:2 1 2. the amount at issue is more than $5 million 13 exclusive of interest and costs. 19 STATEMENT OF FACTS 20 6.C. Defendant has substantial relationship to 17 this District. § 1332 because the 12 Class consists of more than 100 members. or added and 6 abetted the acts and transactions alleged in this complaint. 23 including. with its principal place of business 2 in Cupertino. or other entities that were alter egos of 5 Defendant or have directed. 28 9. capacities and/or roles of Does 1- 8 100 are unknown to Plaintiff. through iOS updates or otherwise. § 1391 because Defendant conducts a 16 large amount of its business in this District. approved. 24 8. Defendant is manufacturing famous smartphones under the trade name 21 iPhone. iPhone 5. Almost every year Defendant introduces a new model of iPhone. iPhone 6. 3 3. Venue is proper under 28 U.S. California. 25 Plaintiff and Class noticed that the performance of their older iPhone models slowed 26 down either after downloading iPhone operating system (“iOS”) updates or otherwise 27 for unknown or undisclosed technical reasons. committed. 10 JURISDICTION AND VENUE 11 4. capacities and roles are known. participated in.
Defendant’s iOS updates were engineered to intentionally slow down the 24 performance speed of older iPhone models. Defendant admitted that it intentionally slowed 3 down the operating speed of older iPhones. 23 15. 2017. and that the performance of their iPhones would 22 not slow down for unapparent reasons. Case 2:17-cv-09192 Document 1 Filed 12/23/17 Page 3 of 9 Page ID #:3 1 the performance of older iPhone models. We’ve now extended that 13 feature to iPhone 7 with iOS 11.2. which can result 9 in the device unexpectedly shutting down to protect its electronic components. When Plaintiff and Class bought their iPhones they were expecting that 21 their iPhones would work properly. Defendant’s iOS updates never informed Plaintiff and Class that 19 Defendant was purposefully slowing down the operation of their devices. and plan to add support for other products in 14 the future. 20 14. 4 11. 25 16. In its official statement Defendant declared: 5 “Our goal is to deliver the best experience for customers. 18 13. which includes overall 6 performance and prolonging the life of their devices. Plaintiff and Class noticed remarkable slowdowns in the operation of their 3 COMPLAINT . 2 10. have a low battery charge or as they age over time.” 15 12. Lithium-ion batteries 7 become less capable of supplying peak current demands when in cold 8 conditions. iPhone 6s and iPhone SE to smooth 11 out the instantaneous peaks only when needed to prevent the device from 12 unexpectedly shutting down during these conditions. On December 20. 10 Last year we released a feature for iPhone 6. Defendant’s statement was released in response to a report by Primate 16 Labs stating that the processors in iPhones slow down and decrease in performance as 17 batteries age and lose capacity. 28 17. Defendant’s iOS updates never disclosed that the slowdown in older 26 iPhone models might be remedied by replacing the battery in these devices or by 27 avoiding the download of iOS updates.
Defendant never 27 informed Plaintiff and Class that the performance of their old iPhone models could by 28 improved by purchasing a new battery. The slowdown of older iPhone models was material in impact. 4 COMPLAINT . usefulness and utility of these devices. Defendant knew and intentionally failed to disclose that it was 23 purposefully slowing down the performance of older iPhones models and that the 24 slowdown could be remedied by purchasing a new battery. 4 19. 26 26. As a result of the slowdown of the performance of their older iPhone 5 models. by avoiding to download 25 the iOS update or otherwise. If Plaintiff and Class knew that the slow performance of their iPhones 17 could be remedied by purchasing a new battery. Case 2:17-cv-09192 Document 1 Filed 12/23/17 Page 4 of 9 Page ID #:4 1 iPhones before and after downloading iOS updates. they would not buy a new 21 iPhone model. 10 21. 7 20. If Plaintiff and Class knew that the slow performance of their iPhone 20 could be avoided by refusing to download the iOS update. they would buy a new battery instead 18 of a new iPhone model. Plaintiff and Class bought newer iPhone models in order to have a properly 6 functioning smartphone. 19 24. 22 25. Plaintiff and Class expended money to purchase newer 9 iPhone models in order to avoid the slowdown of their older iPhone models. 13 22. Plaintiff and Class lost value of older iPhone models because of the 8 slowdown of performance. If Plaintiff and Class knew that the performance of their iPhones would 14 slow down after the introduction of a new iPhone model or an iOS update. 2 18. they would 15 not purchase an iPhone. 16 23. Prior to the purchase of their newer iPhone models. Defendant’s intentional slowdown of the performance of older models of 3 iPhones greatly diminished the effectiveness. thus 11 prompting Plaintiff and Class to purchase newer iPhone models to avoid the 12 slowdown.
Defendant purposefully slowed down the speed of older iPhone models 3 through unknown ways. the Class is so numerous and geographically dispersed 26 that joinder of all members in one action is impracticable. Defendant purposefully concealed and failed to disclose the fact that a 5 battery replacement would improve the performance of older iPhone models. 27 36. 23. Plaintiff brings this action on behalf of herself and all other members of 13 the Class. officers of 21 Defendant. R. 15 32. and all jurors and alternate jurors who sit on 23 the case. P. Defendant knew how to remedy or avoid the slowdown of older iPhone 2 models. Defendant’s wrongful actions directly and proximately caused damages to 10 Plaintiff and Class. including officers and members of any entity with an ownership interest in 22 Defendant. Therefore. any judge who sits on the case. and alleges all claims herein on a common. 6 29. class-wide basis. 20 34. 11 CLASS ACTION ALLEGATIONS 12 31. The Class is defined as follows: All persons residing in the United States 16 who have owned iPhone models older than iPhone 8 and who have purchased a newer 17 iPhone model as a result of slowdown caused by Defendant through an iOS update or 18 otherwise. but not 5 COMPLAINT . The fact that the performance of older iPhone models could be remedied 7 by a battery replacement was a material information for a reasonable consumer who 8 wanted to improve the performance of his or her iPhone. pursuant to 14 Fed. 19 33. The Plaintiff is a member of the Class as defined above. Civ. 4 28. Case 2:17-cv-09192 Document 1 Filed 12/23/17 Page 5 of 9 Page ID #:5 1 27. Plaintiff is informed and believes that the proposed class comprises 25 millions of persons. 24 35. There are substantial questions of law and fact common to the Class that 28 predominate over questions affecting only individual Class members including. Excluded from the class are all attorneys for the Class. 9 30.
and Plaintiff’s claims for relief are based upon the same legal theories as the 15 claims of other Class members. or contradictory 25 judgments. whether 4 Defendant’s conduct was the direct and proximate cause of the damages suffered by 5 Class members. whether 3 Defendant intentionally concealed material information from Class members. whether punitive damages should be awarded to 8 Plaintiff and Class. Litigating 24 the claims of the Class together will prevent varying. whether the Plaintiff and Class suffered monetary damages as a result 6 of Defendant’s conduct. and who will vigorously prosecute this litigation. 6 COMPLAINT . 21 39. The injuries of the Plaintiff and Class are 14 identical. A class action is superior to all other available methods for the fair and 22 efficient adjudication of this lawsuit because individual litigation of the other Class 23 members’ claims is economically unfeasible and procedurally impracticable. whether Defendant violated California Business and 7 Professions Code §17200 et seq.. Each 12 member of Class was denied the use. and will prevent delay and unnecessary expense to the parties and the 26 courts. 9 37. utility and value of the older iPhone model 13 because of the slowdown of performance. Plaintiffs’ claims are typical of the claims of the Class. 16 38. Case 2:17-cv-09192 Document 1 Filed 12/23/17 Page 6 of 9 Page ID #:6 1 limited to. Each member of 10 the Class had to buy a newer iPhone model because the performance of their older 11 iPhone model had slowed down as a result of Defendant’s purposeful conduct. and her 20 interests are not antagonistic or in conflict with the interest of the Class. inconsistent. who 19 are qualified and competent. A class action will be an efficient method of adjudicating the claims of the 27 Class members who have suffered relatively small damages as a result of the same 28 conduct of Defendant. she is represented 18 by locally respected attorneys who have experience handling consumer litigation. Plaintiff will fairly and adequately protect and represent the interests of 17 the Class because her claims are typical of the claims of the Class. the following: whether Defendant intentionally slowed down the 2 performance of older iPhone models through iOS updates or otherwise.
Plaintiff and similarly situated 25 Class members would buy a new battery instead of buying a newer iPhone model. Defendant intentionally failed to disclose to Plaintiff and similarly 6 situated class members that Defendant was purposefully slowing down the 7 performance of older iPhone models through iOS updates or otherwise. 5 41. Further. 8 42. 13 44. Only Defendant knew that it was purposefully slowing down the 11 performance of older iPhone models and that the slow performance of older iPhone 12 models could be remedied by purchasing a new battery or otherwise. 21 46. 7 COMPLAINT . 26 47. 17 45. Defendant intentionally failed to disclose that the slow performance of 9 older iPhone models could be remedied by purchasing a new battery or otherwise. 10 43. Plaintiff incorporates and realleges all allegations set forth in paragraphs 1 4 to 39. Plaintiff and similarly situated Class members did not know and could not 14 have discovered that Defendant was purposefully slowing down the performance of 15 older iPhone models and that the slow performance of older iPhone models could be 16 remedied by purchasing a new battery or otherwise. If Defendant disclosed that it would purposefully slow down the 22 performance of older iPhone models Plaintiff and Class would not buy these iPhone 23 models. Defendant intended to deceive Plaintiff and Class by concealing the fact 18 that it was purposefully slowing down the performance of older iPhone models and 19 that the slow performance of older iPhone models could be remedied by purchasing a 20 new battery or otherwise. if Defendant disclosed that the slow performance of older iPhone 24 models could be remedied by purchasing a new battery. Case 2:17-cv-09192 Document 1 Filed 12/23/17 Page 7 of 9 Page ID #:7 1 FIRST COUNT 2 (Fraud through Concealment) 3 40. Plaintiff and similarly situated Class members suffered damages because 27 they bought newer iPhone models as a result of the slow performance of their older 28 iPhones models caused by Defendant’s conduct.
Defendant’s concealment of the fact that it was purposefully slowing 2 down the performance of older iPhone models and that the slow performance of older 3 iPhone models could be remedied by purchasing a new battery or by avoiding the 4 download of the iOS update was a substantial factor in causing damages to Plaintiff 5 and Class. Pursuant to California Business and Professions Code § 17200. Case 2:17-cv-09192 Document 1 Filed 12/23/17 Page 8 of 9 Page ID #:8 1 48. Defendant’s conduct was intentional and malicious. 20 Plaintiff and Class suffered damages because they had to purchase a newer iPhone 21 model in order to replace their slow older model. Plaintiff. 22 54. 25 respectfully request that the Court enter judgment in their favor as follows: 26 1. 28 2. 19 53. Defendant’s conduct was intentional and malicious. 23 PRAYER FOR RELIEF 24 WHEREFORE. unfair or fraudulent business act or 15 practice. unfair 14 competition shall mean and include any unlawful. 8 COUNT TWO 9 (Unfair Competition under 10 California Business and Professions Code § 17200 et seq. Civ. Certifying the Class under Fed. Defendant’s above described conduct was unfair and fraudulent because 17 Defendant purposefully slowed down the performance of older iPhone models through 18 iOS updates or otherwise. As a result of Defendant’s unfair and fraudulent business practices. P. individually and on behalf of the proposed Class. Plaintiff incorporates and realleges all allegations set forth in paragraphs 12 1 to 39. Awarding Plaintiff and the Class monetary damages as allowable by law. 23 and appointing Plaintiff and 27 her counsel to represent the class. R. 6 49.) 11 50. 8 COMPLAINT . 13 51. causing damages to 7 Plaintiff and Class. 16 52.
9 DATED: December 23. costs and litigation expenses. 12 Lead Attorney for Plaintiff 13 Hovsep Hovsepyan. Awarding attorneys’ fees. demands a trial by jury on all 8 triable issues. 2017 KAASS LAW 10 By: /s/ Armen Kiramijyan 11 Armen Kiramijyan. as allowable by 3 law. Esq. Awarding all such further relief as allowable by law. Awarding punitive damages as allowable by law. 14 Attorney for Plaintiff 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 9 COMPLAINT . 4 5. Awarding Plaintiff and the Class appropriate equitable relief. 2 4. on behalf of herself and the Class. 5 6. 6 JURY TRIAL DEMANDED 7 Plaintiff. Case 2:17-cv-09192 Document 1 Filed 12/23/17 Page 9 of 9 Page ID #:9 1 3. Esq.

References: § 17200
 § 1332
 § 1391
 §17200
 § 17200
 § 17200