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On July 3, 2024, Federal Trade Commission staff sent warning letters to ASRock, Gigabyte and Zotac over warranty language involving stickers or similar terms that could discourage consumers from routine maintenance or repair. The letters were warnings—not court judgments—and did not establish that every repair-related warranty denial is unlawful. For U.S. Zotac customers, the company’s policy page currently says “Warranty void if removed” stickers are not valid, regardless of purchase date.
What the FTC warned the three companies about
The FTC announced warning letters to eight companies on July 3, 2024. Five letters addressed warranty statements tying coverage to specified parts or service providers. The other three went to PC hardware companies ASRock, Zotac and Gigabyte, which the FTC’s letter index identifies as G.B.T. Inc. The letters concerned “warranty void if removed” or similar sticker language in locations that could hinder routine maintenance or repair. FTC announcement · FTC warning-letter index
The specific language quoted differed by company. In its letter to Zotac, FTC staff quoted a warranty provision stating that claims would be void if a user “tampers, defaces, or removes any stickers indicating void warranty if broken.” Staff said it was also concerned about similar representations or an actual denial of coverage under that provision. FTC letter to Zotac
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThe ASRock letter quoted different language: it said coverage would be null and void if a product were modified, damaged or otherwise tampered with, giving opening the outer case and installing or removing optional components as examples. FTC staff expressed concern about those representations. That quoted wording should not be conflated with Zotac’s specific sticker provision, and the 2024 letters do not establish that the quoted terms remain on the companies’ current websites. FTC letter to ASRock
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What the warning letters do—and do not—mean
The letters state FTC staff concerns and warn that the agency could pursue legal action; they are not court judgments or final findings that these companies violated the law. The FTC said it planned to review company websites after 30 days and reserved its ability to pursue law-enforcement remedies. The official sources cited here do not establish what happened after that review period or document a later case or final ruling involving these three companies.
Samuel Levine, then director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, said in the July 3, 2024 announcement: “These warning letters put companies on notice that restricting consumers’ right to repair violates the law.” This was his statement announcing staff warnings, not a judicial holding. FTC staff blog on warranty warnings
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How U.S. warranty law applies to repair
The Zotac letter discusses the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which governs consumer product warranties and sets disclosure standards. In general, a warrantor of a consumer product costing more than $5 cannot condition written warranty coverage on the consumer using a specified branded part or service unless the warrantor provides that part or service for free or obtains an FTC waiver. The letter says language that reasonably implies such a condition may be deceptive; it also cites Section 5 of the FTC Act. FTC letter to Zotac
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This does not mean every repair is covered no matter what happens. A removed seal or unauthorized repair, by itself, is not proof that the customer caused damage; a company may still rely on applicable warranty terms and facts about damage, misuse or improper installation. The FTC’s consumer guidance explains warranty basics, but a specific dispute can depend on the product, written terms and applicable law. FTC consumer warranty guidance
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What Zotac’s current U.S. policy says
As of October 4, 2026, Zotac’s U.S. warranty page states: “Important note: ‘Warranty void if removed’ stickers are not valid in the USA, regardless of when the product was purchased.” The same page separately lists circumstances that may affect coverage, including some tampering, misuse, improper installation, damage and alteration. The sticker statement therefore is not a blanket promise that every user repair will be covered. It is specific to Zotac’s U.S. policy page and should not be generalized to other countries. Zotac U.S. product warranty policy
What to do if a repair affects a warranty claim
- Check the right warranty. Read the written warranty for your exact product and purchase region; do not assume a U.S. policy applies elsewhere.
- Keep evidence. Save the purchase record, warranty terms, photos of the product and any communications about the repair or claim.
- Ask for the reason in writing. If coverage is denied, request the specific warranty term and the facts connecting the repair, sticker removal or alleged damage to the denial.
- Separate the issues. A sticker’s removal and damage allegedly caused by a repair are different questions. Explain what work was done and document the product’s condition.
- Seek appropriate advice if needed. For a disputed claim, consult a suitable consumer-protection or consumer-law resource in your jurisdiction.
What remains unclear for ASRock and Gigabyte
The available official sources establish what FTC staff questioned in 2024, but do not establish the companies’ current corresponding warranty language or a later FTC outcome. Do not assume ASRock and Gigabyte now use the same wording as Zotac, or that they have the same current policy. Check the applicable manufacturer warranty for the product and region in question.
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