Apple Sues Companies Over Knock-Off iPod, iPhone, iPad Accessories
Bloombergreports that Apple has sued several companies for making unauthorized electronic accessories, such as chargers and speakers for the iPod, iPhone and iPad. Apple said in its complaint that many of the products are "of inferior quality and reliability, raising significant concerns over compatibility with and damage to Apple's products."
Bloomberg says Apple requires companies to obtain a license from Apple and pay Apple a royalty of 20% to 25% on sales of the accessories.
The suit is an example of the tight grip Apple keeps on its products, including approval of accessories and applications. Apple has a program called "Made for iPod" under which manufacturers get a license to sell accessories for devices. Apple collects a royalty of 20 percent to 25 percent from each sale of a licensed accessory, according to Shaw Wu, an analyst with Kaufman Bros. LP in San Francis
Bloomberg says there are as many as 20 more companies that Apple may sue over knock-off accessories.
Bloomberg 
