Apple users in Russia have filed a legal claim, demanding the US tech company pay 90 million rubles (£1 million) in damages.
Apple limited its payment service – Apple Pay – in Russia last monthdue to some companies reducing their presence in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
But owners of Apple products in Russia allege that this reduces the functionality of their devices and lowers their value.
Chernyshov, Lukoyanov & Partners, a Russian law firm that acts for consumers, said Apple’s actions were unfair and discriminatory under Russian law.
The claimants are also asking for “moral damage” and are calling for the restoration of Apple Pay in Russia.
The lawsuit was filed in a Moscow court, and lawyers say the total number being sought could rise as more consumers join the lawsuit.
Senior partner Konstantin Lukoyanov said that Apple’s parent company in the US has taken the decision to suspend sales of Apple products and limit services offered in Russia.
He said in
a statement reported by Reuters news agency.
Apple has not yet commented on the news.
Back in March, when it limited Apple Pay, removed Russian state-backed news outlets from the App Store, and halted all product sales, Apple said it was “deeply concerned” about what is happening in Ukraine.
It added: “We are supporting humanitarian efforts, providing aid to the ongoing refugee crisis and doing all we can to support our groups in the region. “
Chernyshov, Lukoyanov & Partners are pursuing a similar claim against streaming company Netflix, which also suspended its service in Russia last month.
