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RightTo/Repair
Article 03 · By brandFiled 2026-08-14

Washington / smartphone/Sony

Sony smartphone owners in Washington.

4 statutory rights, plus Sony's own self-service repair channels and known controversies.

Figure 01 — Sony repair channels

No self-service

Sony repair channels

Authorized providers

www.sony.com

Known repair issues

  • Glued battery and back panel on Xperia 1 / 5 series. iFixit teardowns of the Xperia 1 V and 5 V flagged adhesive-heavy assembly that requires heat and pry tools to access the battery, lowering DIY repairability versus removable-battery designs.

Figure 02 — Statutory rights in Washington

Statutory rights in Washington

  1. 01

    Right to parts, tools, and documentation

    Original equipment manufacturers of digital electronic products and appliances sold in Washington must make parts, tools, and documentation needed to diagnose, maintain, or repair the product available to owners and independent repair providers on fair and reasonable terms.

    Washington Right to Repair Act, HB 1483 (2025), RCW 19.380
  2. 02

    Restrictions on parts pairing

    Manufacturers cannot use software locks or pairing requirements that prevent a replacement part from functioning, reduce its functionality, or display misleading warnings about non-OEM or used parts installed by an independent repair provider or owner.

    Washington HB 1483 (2025), parts-pairing provisions; Ch. 353, Laws of 2025
  3. 03

    Fair and reasonable terms standard

    Manufacturers must offer parts, tools, and documentation at terms equivalent to those given to authorized repair providers, without requiring an additional fee or burdensome obligation to access them.

    Washington HB 1483 (2025), §3
  4. 04

    Enforcement under the Consumer Protection Act

    Violations are unfair or deceptive practices under Washington's Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86). The Attorney General can seek injunctive relief and civil penalties; the CPA also generally allows private actions for actual damages, treble damages, and attorney fees.

    Washington Consumer Protection Act, RCW 19.86

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