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Apple charges Psystar with destroying evidence

updated 12:05 pm EDT, Mon August 17, 2009

Psystar destroying proof?

Mac cloner Psystar is guilty of destroying important evidence needed to proceed in an ongoing lawsuit, Apple alleges in recent court documents. The case revolves around the end-user license for Mac OS X Leopard, which expressly forbids installing the software on systems not branded by Apple. Psystar sells PCs with Leopard pre-installed, which Apple suggests is a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act due to the need to modify code in the operating system.

Apple is seeking to obtain a bootloader used by Psystar, which the latter is argued to have been legally required to preserve. But, Apple claims in filings, "Psystar has overwritten -- i.e. erased -- infringing versions of the software code used on computers sold to its customers." Psystar attorneys are also noted as saying that the company's e-mail and customer support software, SupportSuite, randomly "deletes or loses" messages. Actual descriptions of the bootloader have been censored in public documents.

Psystar recently fired its own legal salvo, calling for the deposition of several important Apple executives. Notable among these is Phil Schiller, one of the public faces of the company as the senior VP for worldwide product marketing. Psystar has charged Apple with abusing copyright law, imposing unfair restrictions in order to block legitimate competition. Unlike Mac OS X, platforms such as Windows and Linux can be installed on any compatible computer.

 
Previous Comments

NO!

08/17, 12:59pm (2 replies) reply

The Psystar scum would never do anything like this.

Sic 'em Apple lawyers. Sue their pants off until they have nothing.

Mr. Strat

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jan 2002

+11

losing emails???

08/17, 02:06pm reply

Who do these people think they are? The Bush administration?

LouZer

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Nov 2000

+4

does the case have merit?

08/17, 05:40pm reply

Does the case have merit or not?

Is apple implying that with the right boot loader and the right set of emails that the clone industry is perfectly legit?

Jonathan-Tanya

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Oct 2004

-4

Psystar.......

08/18, 08:09am reply

Psystar is obviously in the wrong. I've read each revision of the user agreement since 2002 & it clearly states installing on alien brand of computer with intent to sell is illegal. Only apple hardware is allowed to have mac os, no other companies have a license to put mac os on their machines.

- A

Fast iBook

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Mar 2003

+4

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