Justin Gutmann, 76, who could be described as the UK's most feared customer, secured the largest payout in a collective action case when Stagecoach South Western Trains was forced to shed out millions.
Gutmann then opted out of claiming back the money himself - despite being eligible.
He has spoken before of his mission to challenge the UK's “failed regulatory systems” and is just getting started.
Now Gutmann is turning his focus to the tech industry - with a £3billion case against network providers Vodafone, EE, 02 and Three and an £853million claim against Apple.
Despite never having owned an iPhone, the grandad is suing over the allegedly slow performance caused by a hidden power management tool.
The network suit is based on claims customers are being charged after they have finished paying for the value of their phone as part of their contracts.
Legal Battle for Fairness
Gutmann's epic legal battle with Stagecoach South Western Trains stemmed from his belief that passengers were being unfairly overcharged for train journeys.
The Case Against Train Company
His argument centered around the concept of “Boundary Fares”.
He argued that those with a Travelcard and a ticket originating in London may have overpaid for part of their journey when travelling beyond zones covered by their card.
For example, if a passenger had a Zones 1-4 Travelcard but needed to travel from Waterloo to Reading, they should be able to purchase a fare from the edge of Zone 4 - already covered by the card - to Reading, rather than a whole journey from their central London starting point.
He argued passengers travelling on Stagecoach South Western Trains were not properly offered this option, known as a “Boundary Fare”.
Some customers were therefore being overcharged for part of their journeys, he claimed.
A Victory For Consumers
In March 2024, a settlement agreement with South West Trains - then Stagecoach South Western Trains Limited - was reached without any admission of liability.
After winning the landmark case, Gutmann said: “I’m very pleased that Stagecoach South Western have agreed to pay out.
“It’s a great day for consumers and I look forward to the other cases winning in court or settling some time for the future.”
Taking on Tech Giants
With his success against the train company, Gutmann is now setting his sights on even bigger targets: Apple and mobile networks.
Gutmann, who spent years in market research, argues that “regulation has failed in this country” and that consumers are being exploited by large corporations.
He points to the “light touch regulation” that allows companies to operate with minimal oversight and accountability, leading to unfair practices.
Apple's Slowdown Controversy
His case against Apple focuses on the company's alleged practice of intentionally slowing down older iPhones through software updates.
Despite never owning an iPhone himself, Gutmann is suing Apple for £853million, claiming that this practice is deceptive and harms consumers.
Mobile Network Overcharging
Gutmann is also suing mobile network providers Vodafone, EE, O2 and Three for £3 billion.
He argues that these companies are overcharging customers by continuing to charge them after they have used up the value of their phone contracts.
A Champion for Consumer Rights
Gutmann's legal battles have garnered significant attention, highlighting the power of individual action to challenge corporate practices.
His unwavering pursuit of justice for consumers has earned him the reputation of a formidable advocate for consumer rights.
The outcome of these cases could have far-reaching implications for the tech industry and the way companies interact with consumers.
The Future of Consumer Protection
Gutmann's fight against tech giants is a reminder of the ongoing need for greater consumer protection and stronger regulatory frameworks.
As technology evolves and corporations become more powerful, the fight for fairness and transparency will likely continue, with individuals like Gutmann playing a crucial role in shaping the landscape of consumer rights.
