It didn’t look good for Samsung when reports emerged stating that the new Galaxy Note 7 smartphone was prone to catching fire. However, matters have gone from bad to worse now that it has been discovered that even the replacement phones issued by Samsung are continuing to catch ablaze.
The first accounts arose towards the end of September, claiming that the Note 7 was prone to overheating and even catching fire, particularly when charging. However, as time has gone on, Samsung received over 2.5 million complaints and stories have emerged that the phones can become unexpectedly hot and ‘explode’ even when not plugged in to a charger.
Samsung subsequently reduced the production volume of the Note 7 and recalled previously sold devices in order to issue ‘safe’ replacement phones to those affected. Unfortunately for Samsung, it has now come to light that even these replacement devices are suffering from the same issues.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Samsung has now announced that they will cease sales of the phone for the benefit of consumer safety, with refunds or exchanges for different phones being offered to current owners of the Note 7.
Investigations are under way as to the cause of the problem, particularly with the supposedly ‘safe’ replacement phones, but no cause has currently been identified. In the meantime, Samsung’s brand has suffered serious damage at a time when competitors such as Google and Apple have just announced their latest high-end models.
Only time will tell whether this will be enough to jeopardise Samsung’s position as Apple’s greatest rival.
If you are looking for advice on intellectual property, a merger or acquisition or any other commercial matter, feel free to contact our Corporate and Commercial Department on 01245 584515 or [email protected]