Apple's lawyers attack bloggers over iPhone icons

15 January 2007 0:28 GMT / By Stuart Miles

Creative programmers keen to let Palm and Windows Mobile 5 smartphone users use an interface that resembles the new iPhone by Apple have been chased by Apple's lawyers to remove images and references to the applications.

Mo's iPhony launcher for Palm OS and iPhone for your Pocket PC allowed users to install an interface that has used the icons from the new mobile phone from Apple so people not wanting to wait till June in America and Christmas in the UK could get some of the new look and feel on their phones straight away.

The applications promise to bring the new iPhone's home page interface to your Palm or Windows Mobile 5 mobile phone and the palm version is optimised for 320 x 320 screens with icons linking to the relevant programs like email or the calculator on the phone.

Paul O-Brien, a part time blogger, who linked to the download page for the Pocket PC version was sent a letter by lawyers on Apple's behalf, which he has since posted on his site stating:

"It has come to our attention that you have posted a screenshot of Apple's new iPhone and links that facilitate the installation of that screenshot on a PocketPC device ... While we appreciate your interest in the iPhone, the icons and screenshot displayed on your website are copyrighted by Apple, and copyright law explicitly prohibits unauthorized display and distribution of copyrighted works."

"Apple therefore demands that you remove this screenshot from your website and refrain from facilitating the further dissemination of Apple's copyrighted material by removing the link ... where said icons and screenshot are being distributed. Thank you in advance for your cooperation,"

The move has outraged the blogging community with Technology blog TechCrunch leading the argument posting an article titled "Apple Bullies Bloggers, Again".

In the article Michael Arrington, the post's author states:

"I think this is all complete nonsense. If Apple wants to go after the guy that made the Windows Mobile skin that looks like the iPhone, fine. But to bully bloggers who are simply reporting on this is another matter."

Even The Guardian's technology editor, Jack Schofield has waded in on the story.

We will keep you posted.