iPhone repair firm probed amid counterfeit parts claims

UK trading standards officers are investigating claims that a firm used by insurers repaired iPhones with counterfeit parts.

The claims against The Fone Clinic were made after customers allegedly had problems with iPhones and other devices repaired by the company. UK trading standards officers are now testing devices after visiting The Fone Clinic to investigate the allegations.

“We can confirm that Trading Standard did visit The Fone Clinic three weeks ago. Currently there is no allegation of copyright infringement nor use of counterfeit parts,” The Fone Clinic told the Financial Times.

The Fone Clinic repaired iPhones and other devices for CPP and other leading insurers. CPP is behind the insurance offered by Royal Bank of Scotland and several specialist gadget firms. In response to the allegations CPP has begun working with different companies for iPhone repairs.

Counterfeit parts are already concerns for the auto and watch industries - as shown by the case Rolex is bringing against Melrose.com - and the allegations are now spreading to electronics.