We all know the great lengths Apple goes through to protect its patents – it’s just entered a huge legal battle against Korean manufacturing giant Samsung, with Apple saying Sammy copied the look and feel of their products. What few know is that the company isn’t as finicky when it comes to respecting IP of others. UK-based developer Greg Hughes developed Wi-Fi Sync, an app which basically allows the syncing of an iPhone and iTunes library and took it to Apple, who then rejected his app. If his app sounds familiar, you shouldn’t be surprised – it’s one of the same features that comes with iOS5 that was just announced a few days ago.”Obviously I was fairly shocked,” said Hughes. “I’d been selling my app with that name and icon for at least a year. Apple knew that, as I’d submitted it to them, so it was surprising to see that.” After Apple rejected his app, he took it to he Cydia store (which is the go-to place for apps for jailbroken iPhones) where it sold briskly. Adding insult to injury, Cupertino even used Hughes’ logo with only minimal alterations.
Next time Apple cries foul over perceived patent infringement, it might be a good idea for them to look in the mirror first.
Source: The Register