Apple sues alleging iMac design rip-off
- — 02 July, 1999 21:49
A Korean joint venture that sells PCs in the US is facing a lawsuit from Apple Computer following the launch of an all-in-one Windows PC that is bubble-shaped just like the iMac.
Apple is alleging that Daewoo Telecom of Korea and Future Power illegally copied the industrial design of Apple's popular iMac consumer computer.
Future Power displayed at PC Expo in New York last week its E-Power All-in-One Windows PC, which is bubble-shaped just like the iMac and also comes in five bright colors. Future Power's machine, due to ship in September, sells for $US799, while the iMac sells for $US1199.
In its lawsuit Apple asks the court to prohibit the companies from selling the computers. The lawsuit also seeks unspecified actual and punitive damages.
"There is a universe of original designs that Future Power and Daewoo could have created for their computers, but instead they chose to copy Apple's designs," Steve Jobs, Apple's interim chief executive, said in a statement. "We've invested a lot of money and effort to create and market our award-winning designs, and we intend to vigorously protect them under the law."
