Friday, April 25,2008 @ 3:00pm
Apple blocks iPods to 'grey' UK e-stores
Apple is reportedly blocking sales of the iPod to 11 UK-based e-business firms that are purchasing the device from suppliers in the US in order to sell it at a £15 discount. According to The Register, the "grey iPods" breach the sales agreement between Apple and the e-stores, which normally states that companies selling Apple products either get supply direct from Apple or through legitimate third-party supply chains.
An anonymous representatives from one of the businesses accused Apple of "price-fixing the market", calling the practice a "farce", but one that is unavoidable since no one would rise to the occasion in the coming legal dispute.
Law firm Bird & Bird is representing Apple in the matter, with the electronics manufacturer demanding that the retailers hand over any and all information regarding to the import suppliers.