(Michael Justin Allen Sexton/PCMag)
Not surprisingly, Intel's controversial response to a chip bug that can destabilize 13th and 14th Generation Core desktop chips has caught the attention of attorneys looking to capitalize on it.
Oklahoma-based Abington Cole + Ellery, which specializes in class-action litigation, is asking affected Intel customers to contact the law firm about participating in a potential lawsuit.
Abington Cole + Ellery didn't respond to a request for comment about the basis of an Intel lawsuit. But the law firm is likely gathering evidence to see if Intel broke any laws with its response to the chip bug, which can potentially ruin a chip permanently.
Many PC builders have called on Intel to do more to address the chip bug, including a formal recall. So far, Intel has not done that. Instead, the chipmaker has twice blamed the issue on software-related bugs.
The lingering controversy prompted some consumers on social media to call for a class-action lawsuit against Intel. Abington Cole + Ellery is now stepping in. But legal action looks to be easier said than done. One self-identified lawyer on Reddit said a key question is whether Intel has been honoring the warranty for the 13th and 14th Generation Core desktop processors affected by the bug.
“Are there any reports that Intel is not actually doing that? Warranty cases where the manufacturer is honoring the warranty rightly get tossed out of court with ridiculous speed,” the lawyer noted.
Although Intel declined to comment on the potential lawsuit, the company told PCMag: "With regards to customer support, Intel’s standard warranty policy remains in place. We are committed to making sure all customers who have or are currently experiencing instability symptoms on their 13th and/or 14th Gen desktop processors are supported in the exchange process."
In addition, Intel plans to release a software patch later this month to prevent the crash bug from occurring. "For customers who are or have been experiencing instability symptoms on their 13th and/or 14th Gen desktop processors, Intel continues advising them to reach out to Intel Customer Support (box/tray CPUs) or their system manufacturer (OEM/System Integrator purchase) for further assistance.” the company also told PCMag.