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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.

 
Previous Comments

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

-3

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

+5

@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

+5

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

+3

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

+3

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

-3

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

-1

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

+1

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