Apple does not think that “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”, especially when it comes to the look of it’s new iPhone cell phone interface.

Enterprising coders have developed iPhone “skins” for Windows and Palm-based cell phones. The skins don’t add functionality; they just make the phone’s user interface look similar to the iPhone’s.

Apple’s legal team has not only written “cease and desist” letters to the web sites disseminating the iPhone skins, but also to at least one blogger, Paul O’Brien, of MoDaco.

From the letter:

“It has come to our attention that you have posted a screenshot of Apple’s new iPhone and links that facilitate the installation of that screenshot on a PocketPC device.

“The post in question is located at http://www.modaco.com/index.php?showtopic=251112.

“While we appreciate your interest in the iPhone, the icons and screenshot displayed on your website are copyrighted by Apple, and copyright law explicitly prohibits unauthorized display and distribution of copyrighted works.

“Apple therefore demands that you remove this screenshot from your website and refrain from facilitating the further dissemination of Apple’s copyrighted material by removing the link to http://forum.xda-developers.com, where said icons and screenshot are being distributed.”

This is not the first time that Apple has used such heavy handed tactics. In 2004 Apple sued three bloggers who had, Apple claims, revealed trade secrets.

I can’t help comparing this incident with the Microsoft laptop scandal of a couple a weeks ago. On the one hand Microsoft tries to bribe its way to bloggers’ hearts, on the other hand, Apple tries to strike fear into the hearts of bloggers.

I wonder how long it will take the so-called leaders of the digital age, Microsoft and Apple, to really understand what the digital age is all about.

Related:

Entry was posted on Monday, January 15th, 2007 at 3:41 pm under Apple, Cell phones.

Read more entries by John Pospisil.
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