Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act: Difference between revisions

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==Summary==

The [[Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act|Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975]] is a federal law enacted in the ~~United States. The law sets some~~ of ~~the rules that manufacturers must follow when giving~~ warranties~~, if they choose to provide one~~. ~~Some of the rules are ('''may not be legally valid; consult legal experts for specifics'''):~~

The [[Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act|Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975]] is a landmark U.S. federal law (15 U.S.C. § 2301 et seq.) enacted on January 4, 1975, to govern consumer product warranties. Sponsored by Senator Warren G. Magnuson and representative John E. Moss, the Act was designed to address widespread misuse of warranties by manufactures through unfair disclaimers and misleading practices.

*~~Warranties must be specified in clear language~~.

Primary objectives:

*~~It is prohibited to require only "branded parts" as a requirement~~ for a warranty.

*~~There are additional requirements imposed upon manufacturers if they choose to advertise a "full warranty~~."

* Make warranties more transparent and enforceable for consumers.

*prevents manufactures from using misleading or unfair disclaimers to circumvent their warranty ~~obligations~~.

* Establish federal standards for warranty content and disclosure.

**one example of such disclaimers is "warranty void if removed stickers" <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250129195020/https://www.ifixit.com/News/74736/warranty-void-stickers-are-illegal-in-the-us-what-about-elsewhere "Warranty Void Stickers Are Illegal in the US. What about Elsewhere?"] - archive.org - archived 2025-01-29</ref>

* Enhance the Federal Trade Commission's consumer protection capabilities. <ref>{{Cite web |date=August 26, 2023 |title=Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: A Guide for Consumers |url=https://connlawpc.com/blog/magnuson-moss-warranty-act/ |website=connlawpc.com}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250129195020/https://www.ifixit.com/News/74736/warranty-void-stickers-are-illegal-in-the-us-what-about-elsewhere "Warranty Void Stickers Are Illegal in the US. What about Elsewhere?"] - archive.org - archived 2025-01-29</ref>

Warranty requirements:

* Disclosure standards

** Must disclose terms conspicuously in clear simple language and specify:

*** Coverage details and duration

*** Remedies available

*** Exclusions and limitations

*** Procedures for obtaining service<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 2006 |title=Businessperson's Guide to Federal Warranty Law |url=https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/businesspersons-guide-federal-warranty-law |website=ftc.gov}}</ref>

* Full and limited warranties:

** Full warranty: Must meet federal minimum standards including free repair/replacement, no time limits on implied warranties, and option for refund/replacement after reasonable repair attempts

** Limited warranty: Must be conspicuously designated 'limited' if federal minimum standards are not meet.

** Implied Warranties: The Act preserves state-law implied warranties and prohibits their disclaimer when a written warranty is provided

In cases of violation, consumers are encouraged to negotiate with warrantors under arbitration. Additionally, the federal government and consumers are able to file civil suits in the courts.

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 ==Summary==
-The [[Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act|Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975]] is a federal law enacted in the United States. The law sets some of the rules that manufacturers must follow when giving warranties, if they choose to provide one. Some of the rules are ('''may not be legally valid; consult legal experts for specifics'''):
+The [[Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act|Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975]] is a landmark U.S. federal law (15 U.S.C. § 2301 et seq.) enacted on January 4, 1975, to govern consumer product warranties. Sponsored by Senator Warren G. Magnuson and representative John E. Moss, the Act was designed to address widespread misuse of warranties by manufactures through unfair disclaimers and misleading practices.
-*Warranties must be specified in clear language.
+Primary objectives:
-*It is prohibited to require only "branded parts" as a requirement for a warranty.
-*There are additional requirements imposed upon manufacturers if they choose to advertise a "full warranty."
+* Make warranties more transparent and enforceable for consumers.
-*prevents manufactures from using misleading or unfair disclaimers to circumvent their warranty obligations.
+* Establish federal standards for warranty content and disclosure.
-**one example of such disclaimers is "warranty void if removed stickers" <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250129195020/https://www.ifixit.com/News/74736/warranty-void-stickers-are-illegal-in-the-us-what-about-elsewhere "Warranty Void Stickers Are Illegal in the US. What about Elsewhere?"] - archive.org - archived 2025-01-29</ref>
+* Enhance the Federal Trade Commission's consumer protection capabilities. <ref>{{Cite web |date=August 26, 2023 |title=Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: A Guide for Consumers |url=https://connlawpc.com/blog/magnuson-moss-warranty-act/ |website=connlawpc.com}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250129195020/https://www.ifixit.com/News/74736/warranty-void-stickers-are-illegal-in-the-us-what-about-elsewhere "Warranty Void Stickers Are Illegal in the US. What about Elsewhere?"] - archive.org - archived 2025-01-29</ref>
+Warranty requirements:
+* Disclosure standards
+** Must disclose terms conspicuously in clear simple language and specify:
+*** Coverage details and duration
+*** Remedies available
+*** Exclusions and limitations
+*** Procedures for obtaining service<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 2006 |title=Businessperson's Guide to Federal Warranty Law |url=https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/businesspersons-guide-federal-warranty-law |website=ftc.gov}}</ref>
+* Full and limited warranties:
+** Full warranty: Must meet federal minimum standards including free repair/replacement, no time limits on implied warranties, and option for refund/replacement after reasonable repair attempts
+** Limited warranty: Must be conspicuously designated 'limited' if federal minimum standards are not meet.
+** Implied Warranties: The Act preserves state-law implied warranties and prohibits their disclaimer when a written warranty is provided
 In cases of violation, consumers are encouraged to negotiate with warrantors under arbitration. Additionally, the federal government and consumers are able to file civil suits in the courts.