November 23, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] A group of Galaxy Note 7 users who have lost a suit against Samsung Electronics for damages caused by the fire-prone smartphone will continue their court battle against the tech giant, according to a law firm representing the users.

After a series of fires and explosions, Samsung ran replacement and recall programs for the Note 7. Unsatisfied with such measures, some consumers filed a class action lawsuit against the firm late last year, seeking a total of 935 million won (US$815,000) in compensation.

They argued the company caused them inconvenience since the Note 7 users had to visit after-sales service centers at their own expense and time.

“We are planning to appeal the court’s decision,” an official from Harvest Law Office, the law firm that leads the lawsuit, told The Investor after the court ruled in favor of the tech giant on Aug. 9.

“The lawyers and litigants will discuss details in the coming days.” An appeal can be filed within two weeks after the first ruling.

Around 4.3 million Note 7 units were recalled and some 400,000 of them were refurbished and sold in the local market.

Samsung ran the exchange program for the Note 7 until April this year, under which users could replace their phones with any Samsung handset of their choice. Refunds were offered to those who did not want replacements.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)