Apple sues Atico over iPod accessories patent
Posted by Dennis Sellers 
May 16, 2008 at 5:00pm
Apple has sued Atico International USA claiming it infringed five patents for accessories used with the device, reports Bloomberg News. Apple wants a jury trial and an order to stop Atico from selling infringing products in the US, according to papers filed yesterday in federal court in Wilmington, Delaware.
Atico, founded in 1975, is described as a “global sourcing and product development supply chain management company.” The company offers retailers, wholesalers, original equipment manufacturers and distributors more than 350,000 products—from over 40 categories and 100’s of sub-categories – sourced from around the world. Its electronics categories include: audio (MP3, personal CD, portable CD, CD mini systems); batteries; blank media; calculators; clocks; computer accessories; telephone accessories; cameras; iPod accessories; video products; watches; and office and business equipment (such as shredders and laminators).
In the lawsuit, Apple also alleges trademark infringement and unfair competition. “The iPod’s success has spawned an enormous demand for iPod-compatible accessories” including docking stations, speakers and cables, Apple said in the complaint. Atico is selling unlicensed versions of the products, costing Apple money and harming its reputation, the company said. The patents cover accessory designs and a system for transferring information, per Bloomberg.
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Dennis Sellers
Dennis has been a newspaper editor/reporter (seven years) and teacher (seven years). He has over 4,000 magazine, newspaper and online articles to his credit. He has also covered the Mac and tech industries for over a decade for such online publications as MacCentral, MacMinute and now MacsimumNews.
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