Apple, Sony Settle Battery Fire Lawsuit in Japan

Apple Japan and Sony have jointly agreed to pay a couple in Japan Y1.3M (US$12,800) after they sued for damages when an Apple computer with a Sony battery caught fire, according to the Kyodo News Agency and reported by Dow Jones. The man suffered burns on his fingers.

The lawsuit, filed in July 2007, said that the Apple notebook computer caught fire and the man suffered burns on his fingers as he tried to get the computer out of the house. Part of the floor and carpet were also damaged. The woman claimed she also suffered from shock after the incident. They originally sought Y2M (US$19,700).

In the trial, Apple Japan accepted liability. The Y1.3M settlement was reached on April 2.

After a number of fires were reported in 2006, Sony has recalled nearly 10 million lithium ion batteries.