Apple has been sued over claims that it sold old computer equipment as new, did not properly fulfil service contracts and warranties and used resellers' customer lists to find customers for its on-line stores, according to reports.

The suit, filed on behalf of Apple resellers and customers in San Francisco Superior Court, seeks class action status to benefit all those who bought Apple products or services in the US since 1st January 1995.

According to Forbes magazine, the suit charges the company with violating consumer protection laws, misappropriation of trade secrets and unlawful business practices.

The action was filed in court just hours before President Bush formally approved the Class Action Act, a law which imposes tighter restrictions on the filing and processing of class actions.

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