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Apple calls in the legal eagles over copycat iPhone interface

The company has engaged in fighting talk with the founder of a Windows mobile community who linked users to a site where they could mimic the yet-to-be-released iPhone interface

By Maggie Holland, 15 Jan 2007 at 14:00

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The saga following last week's launch of Apple's iPhone continues, with news that the computer giant has legally rapped the knuckles of a site directing users to an online development forum where they could download the files necessary to give Pocket PC devices an iPhone-esque interface.

Paul O'Brien, founder of MoDaCo, a virtual Windows mobile community, posted a link to the site in question, with screen shots showcasing the mimicked interface, although the actual files required to make the modifications were not included in his post.

Although the iPhone was officially unveiled last week, it won't be available in the US until June and the UK until much later this year and Asia in 2008, leaving some users facing a very long wait.

Shortly after the post was made, O'Brien received a letter from law firm O'Melveny & Myers LLP claiming to represent Apple's interests.

"We represent Apple Computer, Inc. ("Apple") and are authorized to act on Apple's behalf to investigate and take legal action with respect to the unauthorized dissemination of Apple's copyrighted material. 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 Pocket PC device," stated the letter entitled 'Re: Unauthorized Dissemination of Apple Computer Copyrighted Material by MoDaCo.'

"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."

The letter went on to demand that the offending screenshots and link were removed from MoDaCo, a request O'Brien has fully complied with.

In a subsequent post on his blog, O'Brien's frustration over the incident was clear.

"Apple get their lawyers to send me nasty letters over 1 pic and 1 link to another site," he said.

"The irony? I'm as interested and excited about the iPhone as anyone... I've probably helped pay the lawyers by purchasing 2 30GB iPod Videos recently and I've even pondered buying a MacBook Pro. My level of respect for them has gone downhill somewhat. My message to Apple -'make love not war'"

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