Apple goes to court to protect Made for iPod

Posted on 20 May 2008 at 10:46

Apple has filed its first lawsuit in defence of its Made for iPod licensing programme, which entitles accessory manufactures to make use of the iPod's Dock Connector as well as other proprietary technologies.

In the filing, Apple accuses Atico International of violating patents on the Dock Connector, Universal Dock, dock adapters and remote control. Atico's iPod accessories, marketed under the Living Solutions brand, include a radio clock alarm, a portable boom box and a speakers, each with an iPod dock.

Apple claims that Atico has not licensed its docking technologies and has violated its iPod trademark, resulting in loss of royalties. It also accuses Atico of "exploiting Apple's name and reputation" and of violating US laws by suggesting that Apple endorses its products.

The filing calls for a permanent injunction against that sale of Living Solutions products and demands damages, profits and court costs.

Apple initiated the Made for iPod programme in 2005, to a mixed reception from accessory makers. Some consider it nothing more than a mechanism for Apple to further fill its coffers; others consider it a a useful guarantee to consumers that the products they buy will work with their iPods.

Apple and Atico have not commented on the lawsuit.

Author: Simon Aughton

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