What is the Magnuson Moss Act?
The Federal Trade Commission Magnuson-Moss
Act protects consumers. This act passed in 1975 states that tie-in
sales provisions are NOT allowed in consumer warranties. Manufacturers
cannot require consumers to purchase items or services in order
to keep their warranty valid.
Essentially, the act states that a warrantor
cannot require the consumer of their product (a server) to buy an
additional product or service (OEM memory) to be used with the original
product in order to maintain the original product warranty.
In other words, you cannot be required to add
the server manufacturer's memory to maintain the warranty on the
system. Also, the server manufacturer cannot state that the system
warranty is void if other "brands" of peripherals are
used.
For example:
If you purchased ABC computer but chose
to use XYZ brand memory, ABC Computer Company cannot void the warranty
or refuse to provide service on your ABC computer.
In addition to the Magnuson-Moss Act any manufacturer
that conditions its warranty on purchases of its own equipment may
violate the antitrust laws.
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