Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

Apple Offers Refunds in Response to “Breaking Bad” Lawsuit

Author: Dan Brecher

Date: September 27, 2013

Key Contacts

Back

Fans of AMC’s hit series “Breaking Bad” will not have to call in “attorney” Saul Goodman after all. Facing a class-action lawsuit and mounting bad publicity over its decision to divide the final season of the hit series into two parts on iTunes, Apple, Inc. will offer refunds to customers who believed they were buying all 16 episodes.

The issue arose after AMC decided to air the final season of “Breaking Bad” over the course of two years. The first eight episodes aired in 2012, and the second half premiered on August 11, 2013. The series finale will broadcast this Sunday.

Apple sold a “Season Pass” for the final season on iTunes, which many fans believed would provide access to all 16 episodes. However, when the show began airing the again this summer, fans discovered they would have to pay an additional $21.99 for high definition and $13.99 for standard definition for the final eight episodes.

The additional charge did not sit well with Noam Lazebnik, who filed a class-action suit against Apple. “When a consumer buys a ticket to a football game, he does not have to leave at halftime. When a consumer buys an opera ticket, he does not get kicked out at intermission. When a consumer buys a ‘Season Pass’ to a full season of a television show on iTunes, that consumer should get access to the whole season,” the complaint alleges.

Given that “Breaking Bad” is one of the most popular television downloads on iTunes, it appears Apple is taking the suit seriously. The company recently sent an email to iTunes users apologizing “for any confusion the naming of ‘Season 5’ and ‘The Final Season’ of Breaking Bad might have caused.”

Apple also announced that customers who purchased the “Breaking Bad” Season Pass will also receive a credit. As the Apple email explains, “While the names of the seasons and episodes associated with them were not chosen by iTunes, we’d like to offer you ‘The Final Season’ on us by providing you with the iTunes code below in the amount of $22.99.  This credit can also be used for any other content on the iTunes Store. Thank you for your purchase.”

In this case, getting out in front of the lawsuit and the negative press that was likely to follow served Apple well. Instead of reporting only on the lawsuit, the media is now focusing on what the company is doing to make it right.

If you have any questions about this case or would like to discuss the legal issues involved, please contact me, Dan Brecher, or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work.

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress post image

Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress

The Trump Administration’s new tariffs are having an oversized impact on small businesses, which already tend to operate on razor thin margins. Many businesses have been forced to raise prices, find new suppliers, lay off staff, and delay growth plans. For businesses facing even more dire financial circumstances, there are additional tariff response options, including […]

Author: Brian D. Spector

Link to post with title - "Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress"
Common Causes of Partnership Disputes and How to Resolve Them post image

Common Causes of Partnership Disputes and How to Resolve Them

Business partnerships, much like marriages, function exceptionally well when partners are aligned but can become challenging when disagreements arise. Partnership disputes often stem from conflicts over business strategy, financial management, and unclear role definitions among partners. Understanding Business Partnership Conflicts Partnership conflicts place significant stress on businesses, making proactive measures essential. Partnerships should establish detailed […]

Author: Christopher D. Warren

Link to post with title - "Common Causes of Partnership Disputes and How to Resolve Them"
President Trump's Termination of Member Gwynne Wilcox post image

President Trump's Termination of Member Gwynne Wilcox

On January 28, 2025, the Trump Administration terminated Gwynne Wilcox from her position as a Member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or the Board). Gwynne Wilcox, a union side lawyer for Levy Ratner, was confirmed to the Board for an original term in 2021 and confirmed again for a successive five-year term expiring […]

Author: Matthew F. Mimnaugh

Link to post with title - "President Trump's Termination of Member Gwynne Wilcox"
How to Dissolve a Corporation in New Jersey: A Step-by-Step Guide post image

How to Dissolve a Corporation in New Jersey: A Step-by-Step Guide

Closing your business can be a difficult and challenging task. For corporations, the process includes formal approval of the dissolution, winding up operations, resolving tax liabilities, and filing all required paperwork. Whether you need to understand how to dissolve a corporation in New York or New Jersey, it’s imperative to take all of the proper […]

Author: Christopher D. Warren

Link to post with title - "How to Dissolve a Corporation in New Jersey: A Step-by-Step Guide"

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!

Explore What Matters Most to You.

Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.

Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.

Let`s get in touch!

* The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!