| 9523275 B224092 UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA
In the Matter of APPLE COMPUTER, INC., a Corporation DOCKET NO. C-3763 DECISION AND ORDER The Federal Trade Commission having initiated an investigation of certain acts and practices of the respondent named in the caption hereof, and the respondent having been furnished thereafter with a copy of a draft of complaint which the San Francisco Regional Office proposed to present to the Commission for its consideration and which, if issued by the Commission, would charge respondent with violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act; and The respondent, its attorney, and counsel for the Commission having thereafter executed an agreement containing a consent order, an admission by the respondent of all the jurisdictional facts set forth in the aforesaid draft of complaint, a statement that the signing of said agreement is for settlement purposes only and does not constitute an admission by respondent that the law has been violated as alleged in such complaint, or that the facts as alleged in such complaint, other than jurisdictional facts, are true and waivers and other provisions as required by the Commission's Rules; and The Commission having thereafter considered the matter and having determined that it had reason to believe that the respondent has violated the said Act, and that a complaint should issue stating its charges in that respect, and having thereupon accepted the executed consent agreement and placed such agreement on the public record for a period of sixty (60) days, and having duly considered the comments filed thereafter by interested persons pursuant to § 2.34 of its Rules, and having modified the order in several respects, now in further conformity with the procedure prescribed in § 2.34 of its Rules, the Commission hereby issues its complaint, makes the following jurisdictional findings, and enters the following order:
ORDER I. IT IS ORDERED that respondent, Apple Computer, Inc., a corporation, its successors and assigns, and respondent's officers, agents, representatives and employees, directly or through any corporation, subsidiary, division or other device, in connection with the manufacturing, labeling, advertising, promotion, offering for sale, sale or distribution of any computer hardware product, in or affecting commerce, as "commerce" is defined in the Federal Trade Commission Act, do forthwith cease and desist from misrepresenting the availability of any microprocessor upgrade product. II. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that respondent, Apple Computer, Inc. a corporation, its successors and assigns, and respondent's officers, agents, representatives and employees, directly or through any corporation, subsidiary, division or other device, in connection with the manufacturing, labeling, advertising, promotion, offering for sale, or sale of any computer hardware product, in or affecting commerce, as "commerce" is defined in the Federal Trade Commission Act, do forthwith cease and desist from representing, directly or by implication, that any such product is currently upgradeable, unless at the time such representation is made, the upgrade is then available, in reasonable quantities to the public, given good-faith projections of anticipated demand. III. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that respondent, Apple Computer, Inc., a corporation, its successors and assigns, and respondent's officers, agents, representatives and employees, directly or through any corporation, subsidiary, division or other device, in connection with the manufacturing, labeling, advertising, promotion, offering for sale, or sale of any microprocessor upgrade product that incorporates a new logic board as part of the upgrade product, in or affecting commerce, as "commerce" is defined in the Federal Trade Commission Act, shall not represent that such product is an "upgrade," in any manner, expressly or by implication, unless it discloses, clearly and prominently, and in close proximity to the representation, that a new logic board is a component of the upgrade product. IV. A. Within fourteen (14) days of the date of service on respondent of this order, respondent shall publish notice of this redress provision in a nationally circulated newspaper. This notice shall be in the form set out in Appendix A. B. Within ten (10) days of the date of service on respondent of this order, respondent shall compile:
C. Respondent shall compile the lists required by Parts IV.B.1 and IV.B.2 from all customer service records under its control, including, but not limited to, registration cards, telephone logs, electronic mail logs, and written correspondence. D. Within fifteen(15) days of the date of service of this order, respondent shall send via first class-mail, postage prepaid, a notice in the form set forth in Appendix B to this order, to all Performa 550, Macintosh LC 550, or Performa 560 purchasers listed on the mailing list required by Part IV.B.1. Respondent shall send the items set forth in Appendix B via electronic mail to any purchaser for whom respondent has only an electronic mail address. No information other than that contained in Appendix B shall be included. No additional materials, other than a postage pre-paid envelope for return of the offer form, shall be transmitted therewith. E. The envelope containing the items set forth in Appendix B shall be in the form set forth in Appendix C to this order. For each mailing returned by the U.S. Postal Service as undeliverable for which respondent thereafter obtains a corrected address, respondent shall, within fifteen (15) business days after receiving the corrected address, send the items set forth in Appendix B to the corrected address. F. Any consumer who, within seventy-five(75) days of the date of service of this order, returns to respondent both: 1) the form contained in Appendix A or Appendix B; and 2) payment in the amount of five hundred and ninety-nine (599) dollars, will be eligible to receive a PowerPC Upgrade Kit, or its equivalent. Apple will not be required to honor any request that is postmarked after the seventy-fifth day. G. Respondent shall send, delivery charges prepaid, the PowerPC Upgrade Kit (or product equivalent) by common carrier appropriate to the fragility of the product, within ninety (90) days of the date of service of this order. H. If respondent chooses to provide a product equivalent to the PowerPC Upgrade Kit to some consumers, those consumers will be chosen at random. I. Respondent shall extend the warranty on the Performa 550, Macintosh LC 550, and Performa 560 to include all parts and labor charges necessary for installation of a PowerPC Upgrade Kit. Within thirty (30) days of the date of service of this order, respondent shall arrange for its authorized service locations to perform this installation. Respondent shall also provide each location with any installation instructions that they might not otherwise possess which are unique to the installation of a PowerPC Upgrade Kit. J. Within fifteen (15) days of the date of service of this order, respondent shall send via first class-mail, postage prepaid, a notice in the form set forth in Appendix D to this order to each purchaser listed on the mailing list required by Part IV.B.2. No information other than that contained in Appendix D shall be included. No additional materials, other than a postage pre-paid envelope for return of the offer form, shall be transmitted therewith. Respondent shall send seven hundred and seventy-six (776) dollars to each consumer who, within seventy-five (75) days of service of this order, returns the form contained in Appendix D and either: (1) has previously submitted the registration card included in the PowerPC upgrade; or (2) provides reasonable proof of purchase of the PowerPC upgrade. K. The envelope containing the items set forth in Appendix D shall be in the form set forth in Appendix E to this order. For each mailing returned by the U.S. Postal Service as undeliverable for which respondent thereafter obtains a corrected address, respondent shall, within fifteen (15) business days after receiving the corrected address, send the items set forth in Appendix D. L. Respondent shall adequately staff an 800 number to answer questions from any consumer who receives a notice described in this redress provision, and any questions resulting from the publication of the notice described in Part III.A. M. Within two hundred forty (240) days of the date of service of this order, respondent shall furnish to Commission staff the following:
N. For the purposes of this Part, "PowerPC Upgrade Kit" includes a 575 logic board, an upgrade card, four megabytes of RAM, Macintosh System 7.5 Operating System software, the most recent version of Claris Works for PowerPC, and a coupon for free installation of the hardware components of the PowerPC Upgrade Kit. The term "equivalent" means a computer based on the PowerPC microprocessor along with all the hardware necessary to supply a Performa 550, Macintosh LC 550, or Performa 560 owner with a complete computer system, including but not limited to a comparable keyboard and monitor. The term "consumer" includes an educational institution or any other organization. V. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that for three (3) years after the last date of dissemination of any representation covered by this order, respondent shall maintain and upon request make available to the Federal Trade Commission for inspection and copying:
VI. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that respondent notify the Commission at least thirty (30) days prior to any proposed change in the company such as dissolution, assignment or sale resulting in the emergence of a successor corporation, the creation or dissolution of subsidiaries or any other change in the corporation which may affect compliance obligations arising out of the order. VII. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that respondent, and its successors and assigns, shall deliver a copy of this order to all current and future principals and directors; to all current and future officers and managers with responsibilities or duties affecting compliance with the terms of this order; and to all current and future employees, agents, and representatives having responsibilities with respect to the subject matter of this order. Respondent shall deliver this order to current personnel within thirty (30) days after the date of service of this order, and, for a period of five (5) years from the date of issuance of this order, to future personnel within thirty (30) days after the person assumes such position or responsibilities. VIII. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this order will terminate on August 18, 2017, or twenty (20) years from the most recent date that the United States or the Federal Trade Commission files a complaint (with or without an accompanying consent decree) in federal court alleging any violation of the order, whichever comes later; provided, however, that the filing of such a complaint will not affect the duration of:
Provided further, that if such complaint is dismissed or a federal court rules that the respondent did not violate any provision of the order, and the dismissal or ruling is either not appealed or upheld on appeal, then the order will terminate according to this paragraph as though the complaint was never filed, except that the order will not terminate between the date such complaint is filed and the later of the deadline for appealing such dismissal or ruling and the date such dismissal or ruling is upheld on appeal. IX. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that respondent shall, within sixty (60) days from the date of service of this order upon it, and at such other times as the Commission may require, file with the Commission a report, in writing, setting forth in detail the manner and form in which it has complied with this order. By the Commission.(1) Benjamin I. Berman ISSUED: August 18, 1997 APPENDIX A [Newspaper Notice] NOTICE TO PURCHASERS OF APPLE PERFORMA 550, MACINTOSH LC 550 AND PERFORMA 560 COMPUTERS: IF YOU PURCHASED AN APPLE PERFORMA 550, A MACINTOSH LC550 OR A PERFORMA 560 COMPUTER ON OR AFTER APRIL 1, 1994, YOU ARE ENTITLED TO PURCHASE A POWERPC UPGRADE KIT OR ITS EQUIVALENT FOR THE SUM OF $599.00. When we sold you your Apple computer, we advertised that is was "Ready for PowerPC upgrade." While a PowerPC upgrade was subsequently offered for these models, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") and Apple have examined the representations that Apple made in connection with the sales of these models. While Apple believes that the upgrade representations were appropriate, customer satisfaction is our highest priority and, to this end, we have reached a settlement with the FTC that gives purchasers of these computers who would like to upgrade their computers an opportunity to secure a PowerPC upgrade at an attractive price. For a limited time, Apple is offering its Performa 550/560 and Macintosh LC 550 customers a PowerPC upgrade kit for $599. This upgrade kit will include the components necessary to make the PowerPC upgrade, and will also include an additional 4 megabytes of RAM. In addition, the kit will contain System 7.5 (the operating system for the PowerPC), and a PowerPC upgrade for Claris Works. Included in the upgrade kit will be a coupon for the installation of the hardware components of the upgrade at no additional cost to you. To take advantage of this offer, please fill out the information on the attached form and return it, along with a payment in the amount of $599. You may wish to make a copy of the form for your records. Upon receipt of payment and a properly completed form, Apple will ship the upgrade kit directly to you within approximately 90 days. For customers who purchased a PowerPC upgrade for their Performa 550/560 or Macintosh LC 550 prior to [date of service of order], Apple is offering a cash rebate upon certification and proof of purchase. For additional information on this rebate offer, please contact Apple at the toll-free number noted below. Please note that these offers are being made for a limited time only. To receive an upgrade kit at this price, customers must respond with payment and a properly completed form, postmarked no later than [70 days from date of publication]. You should also note that this upgrade opportunity is only available to customers who purchased Performa 550/560 and Macintosh LC 550 computers after April 1, 1994. Should you have any questions regarding this upgrade offer, please call 1-800- ___-____ APPLE COMPUTER, INC. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - [Form to be Attached to Newspaper Notice] RETURN THIS FORM WITH YOUR PAYMENT TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS: [ADDRESS] I am the purchaser of a Performa 550/ Performa 560/ Macintosh LC 550 (circle the correct model number) computer. I understand that I must have purchased my computer after April 1, 1994 to participate in this offer and that I must include the serial number of my computer with my order. I would like to order a PowerPC Upgrade Kit. Please deliver my purchase to the following address: NAME: _________________________________________________ STREET ADDRESS: _____________________________________________ CITY AND STATE: ______________________________ ZIP CODE: _______ ____ My check for $599.00 is enclosed (make checks payable to Apple Computer, Inc.) ____ Please charge my ____ Visa _____ MasterCard _____ American Express Credit Card Number Expiration Date (Month/Year) CREDIT CARD HOLDER: PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: NAME: _________________________________________________ BILLING ADDRESS________________________________________________________ ZIP CODE: _______ DAYTIME TELEPHONE NUMBER: ________________ I hereby certify that I bought an Apple Performa 550, Performa 560 or Macintosh LC 550 in _____________ (month you purchased your computer), _____(year you purchased your computer). The serial number of my computer is ______________ . DATED:______________, 1997. _____________________________________ APPENDIX B [Apple Computer, Inc. Letterhead] [Date] Re: Performa 550/560/Macintosh LC 550 Upgrade Offer Dear [Customer Name]: Our records show that during 1994 or 1995, you purchased a Performa 550, a Macintosh LC 550 or a Performa 560 from Apple Computer, Inc. When we sold you your Apple computer, we advertised that it was "Ready for PowerPC upgrade." While a PowerPC upgrade was subsequently offered for these models, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") and Apple have examined the representations that Apple made in connection with the sales of these models. While Apple believes that the upgrade representations were appropriate, customer satisfaction is our highest priority and, to this end, we have reached a settlement with the FTC that gives purchasers of these computers who would like to upgrade their computers an opportunity to secure a PowerPC upgrade at an attractive price. For a limited time, Apple is offering its Performa 550/560 and Macintosh LC 550 customers a PowerPC upgrade kit for $599. This upgrade kit will include the components necessary to make the PowerPC upgrade, and will also include an additional 4 megabytes of RAM which will allow the PowerPC chip to operate effectively. In addition, the kit will contain two key software packages: System 7.5, the operating system for the PowerPC; and the PowerPC upgrade for Claris Works. Included in the upgrade kit will be a coupon which will cover the cost of installing the upgrade's hardware components. Upon receiving your upgrade kit, you will only need to take your computer, the upgrade kit and the upgrade coupon to your local authorized Apple dealer, who will install the hardware for you at not additional cost. To take advantage of this offer, please fill out the information on the enclosed form and return it, along with a payment in the amount of $599 in the enclosed envelope or in an envelope addressed to Apple Computer, Inc. [address] You may wish to make a copy of the form for your records. Upon receipt of payment and a properly completed form, Apple will ship the upgrade kit directly to you within approximately 75 days. Please note that this offer is being made for a limited time only and that to receive an upgrade kit at this price, customers must respond with payment and a properly completed form by no later than [75 days from date of service of order]. Because of the limited availability of upgrade kits, we will not be able to extend this deadline, and we will not be offering this upgrade opportunity in the future. You should also note that this upgrade opportunity is only available to customers who purchased Performa 550/560 and Macintosh LC 550 computers after April 1, 1994. Should you have any questions regarding this upgrade offer, please call our information line at 1(800) --. As always, we at Apple view customer satisfaction as our most important product. We appreciate your choosing Apple and look forward to serving you again in the future. Sincerely, David Manovich - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - [Form to be Enclosed with Above Letter] RETURN THIS FORM WITH PAYMENT I am the purchaser of a Performa 550 / 560 / Macintosh LC 550 (circle the correct model number) computer. I understand that I must have purchased my computer after April 1, 1994, to participate in this offer and that I must include the serial number of my computer with my order. I would like a PowerPC Upgrade Kit. Please deliver my purchase to the following address: NAME: STREET ADDRESS: CITY AND STATE: ZIP CODE: My check for $599 is enclosed (make checks payable to Apple Computer, Inc.) Please charge my Visa Master Card American Express Credit Card Number Expiration Date (Month/Year) CREDIT CARD HOLDER: PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: NAME: _________________________________________________ BILLING ADDRESS:_______________________________________________________ ZIP CODE: _______ DAYTIME TELEPHONE NUMBER: ________________ I hereby certify that I bought an Apple Performa 550, Performa 560 or Macintosh LC 550 in _____________ (month you purchased your computer), _____(year you purchased your computer). The serial number of my computer is ______________ . DATED:______________, 1997. _____________________________________
APPENDIX C Apple Computer, Inc. [address] FORWARDING AND RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED [ADDRESS] ATTENTION: IMPORTANT POWERPC UPGRADE OFFER FOR YOUR PERFORMA 550, MACINTOSH LC 550, OR PERFORMA 560 COMPUTER INSIDE APPENDIX D
[Apple Computer, Inc. Letterhead] [Date] Re: Performa 550/560/Macintosh LC 550 Upgrade Rebate Dear [Customer Name]: Our records show that during 1994 or 1995, you purchased a PowerPC upgrade for either a Performa 550, a Macintosh LC 550 or a Performa 560 computer. When we sold you your Apple computer, we advertised that it was "Ready for PowerPC upgrade." For the past several months, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") and Apple have examined the upgrade representations that Apple made in connection with the sales of these models. While Apple believes that the upgrade representations were appropriate, customer satisfaction is our highest priority and, to this end, we have reached a settlement with the FTC which will give purchasers of these computers who have not yet upgraded their computers an opportunity to secure a PowerPC upgrade at an attractive price. Both we and the FTC believe that it is appropriate and fair to provide customers who have already purchased a PowerPC upgrade a cash rebate in order to put them on an equal footing with customers taking advantage of the new upgrade offer. Accordingly, we would ask that you fill out the enclosed form, verifying that you did, in fact, purchase a PowerPC upgrade for a Performa 550, a Macintosh LC 550 or a Performa 560 computer. Upon receipt of your completed form and proof of purchase, Apple will mail you a check in the amount of $776 to the address designated on your form. (Proof of purchase is not required for customers who filled out and mailed to Apple the registration card included in the PowerPC upgrade). Please note that this offer is being made for a limited time only and that to receive a cash rebate qualified customers must respond with a completed form and proof of purchase by no later than [75 days from date of service of order]. Should you have any questions regarding this rebate offer, please call our information line at 1(800) --. As always, we at Apple view customer satisfaction as our most important product. We appreciate your choosing Apple and look forward to serving you again in the future. Sincerely, David Manovich - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - [Form to be Enclosed with Above Letter] RETURN THIS FORM TO RECEIVE
REBATE My name is . I purchased a PowerPC upgrade for a Performa 550 / 560 / Macintosh LC 550 computer (circle the correct model number). I understand that Apple is prepared to provide a rebate of $776.00 for those who purchased PowerPC upgrades for these computers and that to be entitled to the rebate, customers must have either registered the upgrade with Apple at the time of purchase or now provide proof of purchase. Please Check One: I previously filled out and mailed the registration card that accompanied my Power PC upgrade to Apple Computer, Inc. I did not fill out the registration card when I received my PowerPC upgrade, but I have enclosed proof-of-purchase (receipt, canceled check, credit card charge, or original packing list or original label from PowerPC upgrade box). Please deliver my rebate check to the following address: NAME: STREET ADDRESS: CITY/STATE/ZIP Signature APPENDIX E Apple Computer, Inc. [address] FORWARDING AND RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED [Address] ATTENTION: CASH REBATE OFFER ENCLOSED FOR POWERPC UPGRADE PURCHASERS Endnotes: 1. Prior to leaving the Commission, former Commissioner Varney registered her vote in the affirmative for issuing the complaint and decision and order in this matter. |