Samsung Electronics has rejected allegations of child labour at suppliers in China, after three French rights groups filed a lawsuit accusing it of deceiving consumers by claiming to be an “ethical” company.

Last year China Labor Watch, a New York-based group, published a series of reports claiming violations including the use of underage workers at two of Samsung’s Chinese suppliers. It also alleged illegal practices at six factories wholly or mostly owned by the South Korean group, including working hours far in excess of the legal limit.

These allegations, based on undercover investigations, formed the basis for a complaint filed in a Paris court this week by three non-governmental organisations. Sherpa, Peuples Solidaires and Indecosa-CGT said that Samsung is guilty of deceptive trading practices and false advertising.