A tear-jerking legal case of David versus Goliath is currently gathering pace in the technology world, with Miami-based computer Psystar Inc. preparing to slingshot computer and gadget giant Apple Inc. for any complaints made by the latter regarding the Mac OS X operating system.
Miami-based Psystar\'s Open Computer, the poor man\'s Apple Mac alternative. Credit: Psystar.
Specifically, Psystar could well find itself placed firmly in Apple’s crosshairs following the Monday release of its $400 ‘OpenMac,’ which is an Apple Mac clone that comes equipped with a pre-loaded version of Apple’s popular operating system at a fraction of the total cost.
While Apple has not yet offered official comment on the Psystar computer, the OpenMac’s name was suddenly changed to ‘Open Computer’ on Tuesday, which would suggest the first tendrils of applied pressure from the California-based company, at least in terms of potential trademark infringement.
Legal storm clouds appear to be gathering for Psystar, not least because Apple does not allow the distributing of Mac OS software without approved manufacturer licensing, which is something Apple has not done since the success and eventual absorption of Power Computing in 1997.
Yet, while the prospect of courtroom wrangling against Apple might send most opponents scurrying for cover, Psystar seems ready to trade blows and is claiming that Apple’s end-user license agreement, which prohibits third-party Mac OS X installations on non-Apple hardware, is little more than a violation of antitrust laws.
Speaking to tech website Information Week, a Psystar employee is quoted as saying: “What if Microsoft said you could only install Windows on Dell computers… What if Honda said that, after you buy their car, you could only drive it on the roads they said you could?”
Insisting that Psystar isn’t breaking any laws with its Mac OS X-equipped Open Computer, the company representative also displayed a belief that Apple will struggle to defend its software licensing terms before a court and that Psystar is prepared to follow such legal routes if necessary.
Interested in a more interactive TTH? Join our Facebook Group Want regular updates from The Tech Herald? Follow us on Twitter
Advertising
Comment on this Story