Apple nixes eBay iPhone prototype auction
updated 04:50 pm EDT, Tue March 10, 2009
eBay iPhone auction gone
An eBay auction claiming to offer original prototype iPhones has been pulled at the request of Apple, the seller claims. Speaking to the press, the seller explains that "as many people predicted would happen, Apple has contacted eBay to close the listing." A purported demonstration video on YouTube has also been pulled, with a simple disclaimer stating only that "This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Apple, Inc.."
Apple's efforts could serve as evidence of the phones' legitimacy, but may also simply represent preemptive action. YouTube in particular has been known to pull videos at the first request of numerous businesses, such as TV networks or the Church of Scientology, without allowing defense on the part of uploaders. Apple has had authentic prototype auctions pulled in the past; most recently, one for a first-generation iPod.
copyright?
03/10, 05:32pm (1 reply) reply
How is a video showing the iPhone working a 'copyright' violation?
Does this mean ANY video of an iPhone on YouTube is a copyright violation?
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
It may be.
03/10, 05:45pm reply
Perhaps the people who received these prototypes have signed a comprehensive non-disclosure agreement, which would have prevented them from ever divulging anything about these to the public, and that included videotaping functionality and sharing that video publicly. Technically, the people probably weren't in violation of a copyright law (they were just breaking the NDA), but we all know that Google will put the generic "copyright violation" message for any video yanked on request by a company affected.
vasic
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2005
@testudo
03/10, 05:52pm (1 reply) reply
Your not thinking. This is not a video of an iPhone working but a video of an unreleased iPhone working. Two different things entirely.
What I'd like to know is how these prototypes keep slipping out. You'd think that only internal employees would have access and they would just be fired for doing this.
Gazoobee
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2009
Stolen?
03/10, 07:20pm reply
These devices are likely stolen. I seriously doubt that Apple would either give away or sell of their internal prototypes.
They either get used as a test bed, go into the archives, or used for some other purpose (like drop-testing).
Jittery Jimmy
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2006
DBT
03/10, 08:15pm reply
Development / built / test systems (aka, prototypes) are disposed of via a service provider to enable Apple to write off the associated costs; but a few will always slip through the net.
dimmer
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2006
eBay Sucks
03/11, 08:56am (1 reply) reply
They're the biggest n**** in the world when it comes to sellers. This is why so many people are abandoning the site.
Monstermind
Junior Member
Joined: May 2000
I don't understand this
03/11, 09:07am (1 reply) reply
Selling a physical object that you own is legal, regardless of whether the company that made it intended it to be sold. What basis is Apple using to contend this auction?
resuna
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2005
My Guess?
03/11, 01:51pm reply
The seller didn't really own it. He may have bought it from someone else, but that doesn't mean he owns it. Same with stolen paintings and other artifacts. These guys are hoods.
Bobfozz
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2008