Apple has issued an extrajudicial notice to the Colombian engineer, Wilmer Becerra, well-known on social media for creating videos demonstrating iPad, iMac and iPhone repairs. The company has requested that Becerra refrain from displaying the Apple logo in his content.
Background of Wilmer Becerra iPhone Repairs
Wilmer Becerra has been producing videos featuring Apple products (iPhone repairs) since 2018. However, it wasn’t until July 2023 that Apple took notice of his productions. This came after Becerra’s content gained popularity on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
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Influence and Reach
At the time of the notification, Becerra had amassed over 12 million followers across various platforms, including TikTok (5.3 million), Facebook (6.5 million), and Instagram (251 thousand). He also owns a network of technical support centers in nine Latin American countries,
Wilmer Becerra’s Defense on iPhone Repairs
In response to Apple’s notification, Becerra’s legal team asserted his right to repair. This right, recognized in some countries, encompasses property rights, free competition, and environmental preservation. The defense emphasized that the repair of durable goods, such as cars, computers, and cellphones, can be undertaken without repercussions for the repairer. When approached for comment, Apple declined to make a statement on the matter.
Becerra contends on social media that prolonging the lifespan of devices through repairs is a more energy-efficient measure than Apple’s recycling system, which involves purchasing old devices from customers to produce new parts.
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Wilmer Becerra’s Wiltech Ventures
Becerra’s company, Wiltech, not only runs a technical support network but also operates a service producing customized iPhone cases to fund legal representation. Becerra stated that he was extended an invitation by Apple to become an authorized technical support provider.
However, Becerra stated that he does not intend to accept the offer. One of Apple’s guidelines for authorized partners is to replace defective parts rather than repair them, which conflicts with Wilmer Becerra’s principles.
Currently, Wiltech operates in countries including Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, and Panama. According to Becerra, language barriers in Brazil still hinder further investment.