Apple limited its payment service – Apple Pay – in Russia last month, as some companies reduced their presence in response to the invasion of Ukraine. But owners of Apple products in Russia claim that this has reduced the functionality of their devices and reduced their value. Chernyshov, Lukoyanov & Partners, a Russian law firm acting on behalf of consumers, said Apple’s actions were unfair and discriminatory under Russian law. The plaintiffs are also seeking compensation for “non-pecuniary damage” and are seeking the restoration of Apple Pay in Russia. The lawsuit has been filed in a Moscow court, and lawyers say the total number sought may increase as more consumers take part in the action. Senior associate Konstantin Lukoyanov said that the parent company of Apple in the US has decided to suspend sales of Apple products and limit the services offered in Russia. “Therefore, our claims are being addressed first to the parent company and second to its subsidiaries,” she was quoted as saying by Reuters. Apple did not comment on the news. In March, when it cut Apple Pay, removed Russian state-owned news agencies from its App Store and cut all product sales, Apple said it was “deeply concerned” about what was happening in Ukraine. It added: “We support humanitarian efforts, provide assistance to the evolving refugee crisis and do everything we can to support our groups in the region.” Chernyshov, Lukoyanov & Partners are seeking a similar claim against streaming company Netflix, which also suspended its service in Russia last month.
