Valve Issues Second Appeal Against $3m Australian Fine

Valve Issue Second Fine Appeal

A little over a year ago, Valve was hit with a $3m in the Australian courts. The reason for this fine was due to their reported failure to issue refunds on their Steam gaming platform.

Representing one of the first major legal cases in regards to Steams refund system and gained our attention at the time of the ruling. As you can image, Valve was none too happy about it. Since that ruling, they have been fighting very hard to have the verdict overturned. So far, without much success at all. The initial appeal, lodged shortly after the verdict was rejected by the courts earlier this year.

In a report via PCGamesN, Valve has lodged a second appeal of the fine in what could be a last-ditch effort to overturn the decision.

Reason for the appeal

The fact that the fine was for such a substantial amount doesn’t give any surprise that they have decided to fight it. Exactly what their current legal costs will be at this point is unclear, but almost certainly substantial. Valve may, therefore, see this case as representative of international precedent. Fighting and winning in appeal here could prevent any difficulties in the future.

It is thought that the basis of the appeal is that since their company does not operate within Australia, they should not be bound to Australian consumer law. With over 2 million Steam account holders in the country, however, the government thinks otherwise.

Ultimately, this is set to drag out for many more months yet before a final decision comes into place and although I am no legal expert, if that’s the best argument Valve can manage, I don’t hold much hope for their success.

What do you think? Is Valve liable for the fine? Will their appeal be successful? – Let us know in the comments!