News
Apple sues Atico International over iPod accessories
In a case that outlines the legal strategy that will be used against companies that create iPod accessories without joining Apple’s Made for iPod program, the company has filed suit against Atico International over a series of patent and trademark infringements relating to the latter’s iPod accessories. Apple is claiming infringement of a patent on remote controls, infringement on the design patents for its Universal Dock well, as well as three Dock Adapters, and trademark violations relating to the Made for iPod, iPod mark, and iPod image trademarks. Apple has also alleged that Atico is unfairly competing with Apple in violation of federal law based on its use of Apple’s trademarks, falsely suggesting that its products are associated with Apple. Some of Atico’s products are being sold at Walgreens under the Living Solutions brand; offerings include an AM/FM Alarm Clock Radio with iPod Dock, a Portable Boom Box with iPod Dock, and the JBL On Stage-styled Portable Speaker with iPod Dock. Apple’s complete filing is available here.
Share This Article & Win an iTunes Gift Card. Next: Best Buy offers Lucky-branded iPod speakers
Previous: Orange to offer iPhone across Europe, Middle East, and Africa
Comments
If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.
Recent News
- Enter the CES Exhibits Plus Pass Giveaway today
- Wider distribution boosting iPhone sales in France
- Chinon rolls out AVi portable iPod speaker
- TomTom intros separate Car Kit for iPod touch
- iLounge and MusicSkins announce the Ultimate Design Contest
- Latest edition of iPodweek coming shortly
- Apple planning more iPod touch apps for retail?
- Gameloft, others cutting back on Android development
- Google launches Google News for iPhone, iPod touch
- Magellan releases RoadMate app, Car Kit coming
Recent Reviews
- Electronic Arts Command & Conquer Red Alert
- Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini
- iHome iHM79 Rechargeable Mini Speakers
- Elexa Consumer Products iBlink
- Bose SoundDock 10
- Shure SE115m+ Sound Isolating Headset
- Apple Remote (2009)
- Kensington Travel Battery Pack and Charger for iPhone
- Tapulous Metallica Revenge
- Electronic Arts NBA Live by EA Sports
Recent Articles
- The Complete Guide to Using the iTunes Store
- iPhone Gems: Brain Challenge 2, Impossible Quiz, Jeopardy, Trivia Wars + Wheel of Fortune
- The Complete Guide to Album Tagging, Art and Playlists in iTunes
- Ask iLounge 11-13-09
- The Complete Guide to iTunes Audiobooks, Podcasts + iTunes U
- Ask iLounge 11-6-09
- iPhone Gems: Asphalt 5 and Doom Classic
- Ask iLounge 10-30-09
- Instant Expert: Secrets & Features of Apple TV 3.0
- Ask iLounge 10-23-09
1
ever greedy Apple.
Posted by iJay on May 17, 2008 at 4:10 PM (PDT)
2
If it doesn’t work at the standard that Apple strives for I don’t want it. I applaud Apple for ensuring that accessories are up-to-scratch.
Posted by Dan Woods on May 18, 2008 at 12:13 AM (PDT)
3
I want the after-market products I purchase to perform as they should. Furthermore, using Apple’s brand sans permission is against the law. Apple is in business to MAKE MONEY and ensure high quality. Since when is that “greed?”
Posted by RNB in Bakersfield, CA on May 19, 2008 at 12:25 PM (PDT)
4
The reality is that Apple made a very bad tactical error when their desire to maintain control over their accessories resulted in rendering a whole collection of previously-manufactured accessories incompatible with current-generation iPods. Bear in mind that many of these video accessories for the fifth-generation iPod were manufactured under the authorized Made-for-iPod program, which was never advertised as a “Made-for-iPod-5G” program.
The need to keep control of their branding and ensure quality accessories is commendable, but when it leads to leaving their upgrading customers with potentially hundreds of dollars of accessories that cannot be used with the new iPod models, and they’re not forthright about that fact (many customers had to discover this the hard way after upgrading), then that’s going to leave a bad taste for many people and lead to no other possible conclusion than greed as a motivating factor.
Posted by Jesse David Hollington in Toronto on May 20, 2008 at 6:33 AM (PDT)