Amazon is liable for defective third-party products, Californian court rules

A Californian Court of Appeal has ruled Amazon is responsible for defective products sold through its Marketplace, even if they are being sold by a third party. This decision has significant implications for Amazon, which had previously managed to avoid liability by claiming it is merely a service provider. 

"Whatever term we use to describe Amazon’s role, be it 'retailer,' 'distributor,' or merely 'facilitator,' it was pivotal in bringing the product here to the consumer," Justice Patricia Guerrero said in her ruling. "Under established principles of strict liability, Amazon should be held liable if a product sold through its website turns out to be defective." Read more...