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June 15, 2009 8:18 AM PDT

Apple still wants to get Psystar into court

by Jim Dalrymple

Apple is not giving up on its desire to get Psystar into a courtoom.

Apple filed a motion on June 5 asking the court to modify a stay of proceedings and to compel Mac clone-maker Psystar to show up in court in November as previously scheduled.

Psystar got an automatic stay of proceedings when it filed for bankruptcy in May, but Apple doesn't think the company should be able to use the bankruptcy laws to do so.

Apple points out in the court documents that Psystar filed for bankruptcy in May, after a motion was granted compelling Psystar to give Apple additional documents. The bankruptcy filing also came just before a scheduled deposition from Psystar.

At the heart of Apple's new motion is that despite Psystar's bankruptcy, the company is still in business and continues to sell its computers with Mac OS X pre-installed. The latter is what prompted Apple to file a copyright infringement lawsuit in the first place.

It's clear from the court documents that Apple is looking for a judgment in the case, not monetary damages. The company said in the filing that it understands that it can't collect against Psystar except through bankruptcy proceedings.

Psystar is just one of the clone companies Apple has to contend with. RussianMac and PearC have also started selling Mac clones in Russia and Germany, respectively.

One of the biggest Mac clone stories to come along in recent months is Quo Computer, a California-based company that has opened a retail store in Los Angeles.

Jim Dalrymple has followed Apple and the Mac industry for the last 15 years, first as part of MacCentral and then in various positions at Macworld. A guitar player for 20 years, Jim also writes about the professional audio market, examining the best ways to write and record songs on a Macintosh with Logic Pro and Pro Tools. Jim is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CNET.
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by fokkwp June 15, 2009 8:30 AM PDT
Well, Mac evangelists, shouldn't you be picketing Apple 24/7 until they allow the world to spread the True OS by "whatever means necessary", specifically by selling clones? When you love something, shouldn't you set it free? Steve, unencrypt that OS!
Reply to this comment
by getwired June 15, 2009 8:42 AM PDT
Um. Why? The Mac OS works so well because the platform is a black box with the software. If you let any company ship clones with whatever hardware, you'd end up with a typical PC experience - components glued together from OEM's with no vested interest in the integrity of the platform, throwing in hardware they don't understand and can't test, all to deliver a slipshod end-user experience. No thanks. Take a look at the feedback on Psyscar and the other Mac "pirate clones"... none of them deliver that great of an end-user experience.
by kcotham June 15, 2009 8:50 AM PDT
Psystar is using a very old tactic, delay. They are delaying the proceedings. It's not a coincidence that they filed for bankruptcy right before the deposition and the demand to produce documents. They don't have a leg to stand on and they know it. They are playing the system to stave off the inevitable. To show how this is a well-known and well-used tactic look no further than the "Spam King" case.
by MaggieRed June 15, 2009 8:57 AM PDT
In one word, NO.
by bluemist9999 June 15, 2009 9:37 AM PDT
The issue is the quality of the computer experience depends on two things. First is the OS. Second is the quality and stability of the hardware.

When making PCs, most manufacturers use the cheapest parts they can find, since there is no real margin in making higher quality PCs using better components, except for servers and high end gaming systems.

But the cheapest components are likely to be the least reliable. And, would people like to run an Apple clone which crashed sometimes, because, say, some memory was unstable?

I think, if Apple were to allow clone manufacturers, the resulting clones wouldn't be reliable. The only option would be if Apple certified the quality of the hardware components the OEMs used.

While I like the idea of a cheaper PC or Mac, I don't want a machine which isn't reliable.
by monkeyfun14 June 15, 2009 10:01 AM PDT
@getwired

You have a very cloudy view on how OEM's do things.

I have yet to buy a OEM machine thats falling apart whether it be a laptop or a desktop.

The OEM's deliver bad quality holds about as much water as the myth that there will never be viruses for OSX.

Anything to keep the FUD train rolling I guess though...
by ralfthedog June 15, 2009 10:19 AM PDT
bluemist9999, you are dead spot on!

1. It is about quality and quality control.

2. Apple has a great deal of development costs that come with putting together a great Operating system. They do not charge the full cost of the OS to users because all Mac users paid part of the OS cost when they purchased Mac Hardware.

Apple does not get that upset when a hobbyist makes a Hackintosh. Apple was founded by hobbyists working in their garage. Apple does get quite upset when companies sell products using Apple proprietary code. The company does not have Apple's expense of creating the operating system, thus by stealing Apples IP they can sell at a lower cost than Apple can.
by mediocrates--2008 June 15, 2009 10:39 AM PDT
@ the fanbois
Let me paraphrase Ben Franklin - He who chooses security over freedom deserves neither. That's why I'll never sell my soul at the Altar of Steve.
by Random_Walk June 15, 2009 1:02 PM PDT
Funny, I can get both (security and freedom) with a Linux machine. I can get security and relative freedom with a Mac box. I can't get either one in Windows...
by Vegaman_Dan June 15, 2009 1:23 PM PDT
@Random_Walk:

"Funny, I can get both (security and freedom) with a Linux machine. I can get security and relative freedom with a Mac box. I can't get either one in Windows... "

Then that says a lot about your technical competence right there alone. Billions of people around the world have figured it out on Windows already. It's not terribly difficult, I'm sure you could figure it out if you tried.
by Leemac June 15, 2009 2:47 PM PDT
fokkwp: "it is better to remain silent and thought a fool than to speak up and remove all doubt."....words you would do well to heed.
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by kcotham June 15, 2009 8:50 AM PDT
Psystar is using a very old tactic, delay. They are delaying the proceedings. It's not a coincidence that they filed for bankruptcy right before the deposition and the demand to produce documents. They don't have a leg to stand on and they know it. They are playing the system to stave off the inevitable. To show how this is a well-known and well-used tactic look no further than the "Spam King" case.
Reply to this comment
by LaTene_Man June 15, 2009 2:48 PM PDT
Yup, I agree. It's a case of oh no, we're caught without a real defence, hide behind bankruptcy!
by cary1 June 15, 2009 9:16 AM PDT
I should order one before it goes out of business
Reply to this comment
by Perry_Clease June 15, 2009 9:29 AM PDT
Brilliant idea! Get yourself a Chrysler auto too.
by ckh1272 June 15, 2009 9:42 AM PDT
"by Perry_Clease June 15, 2009 9:29 AM PDT
Brilliant idea! Get yourself a Chrysler auto too."

What exactly is your point. I understand the humor of it but, just to throw it in there, Chrysler is exiting bankruptcy with the Fiat deal. Psystar is not.
by Vegaman_Dan June 15, 2009 11:02 AM PDT
@ckh1272:

I think Perry is referring to one of the consequences of the Chrysler bankruptcy and sale to a 'new' Chrysler is that any and all prior legal obligations are now null and void. This means all car warranties, service plans, promotions, and legal litigation against the old company are voided.

What does that really mean?

The new car warranty you bought last week on your new Chrysler is now worth zip- It was issued by a company that no longer exists. Now the new Chrysler is going to good faith honor it, but they don't have to and I expect in cases where it may start getting expensive (like your engine blows up) that they will claim that hole card and tell you that you're stuck, sorry, try again next time.

Remember the promotion a year or so ago for free gas if you bought a new Chrysler? Gone. That promotion is dead. Again, some may still honor it as a good faith, but it's not required by law and is the sort of thing that gets axed quickly.

Suppose you had a lawsuit against Chrysler because yourJeep rolled and people were ejected due to bad seat belt designs. You had an open lawsuit for millions. Now that lawsuit is void and you have no legal recourse at all. Seriously, it's true.

That's the danger of buying any product while a company is in financial limbo like this. That's Perry's point I believe. I may be wrong, but that's how I see it.
by Perry_Clease June 15, 2009 11:50 AM PDT
Spot on Dan!
by cary1 June 15, 2009 1:11 PM PDT
@Perry_Clease

Good idea! I can find a killer deal on Chrysler right now.

BTW, I don't have to worry if Psystar goes out of business, because if a part fails, I can just replace it myself. I have assembled my own PCs in past and didn't have much trouble maintaining them without a vendor warranty.

I hope Apple is still around to provide software updates though
by ralfthedog June 15, 2009 3:11 PM PDT
@cary1 ,

Apple will be around for quite some time. After Paystar is gone, Apple updates will no longer work on Paystar computers. From what I understand, Paystar patches their crack of OS-X each time Apple updates the OS. If you have no Paystar, you have no patches to the OS crack. If you have no patches, you can't run Apple updates.
by LaTene_Man June 15, 2009 3:19 PM PDT
Perry and Vega agree, surprise surprise surprise!
by aka_tripleB June 15, 2009 11:41 PM PDT
Perry, are you serious? First off, I'm sure most people who bought a Psystar computer know that they are on their own for support. Sure, they get one year of upgrades and three years of hardware support, but you really say the company is really standing behind its products? Second, I don't think Chrysler can ignor any warranties it makes right now. I don't think you can back out of a contract you had no intention of honoring in the first place. Besides, if Chrysler and Fiat want to survive, they will honor the contract any ways.
by cary1 June 16, 2009 6:03 AM PDT
@ralfthedog

The hacks used by Psystar are developed by an open source project. That project existed before Psystar and will exist after Psystar is gone.
by Vegaman_Dan June 15, 2009 9:45 AM PDT
I don't think Apple really wants this to be too public at this point. Goliath is getting awfully whiney and that just doesn't look good for them regardless of how valid it may be. Wait a few months, Psystar will be gone and you're good. Right now they just look like they are trying to kick a dead puppy.

Not exactly the image you want for a company, but that's what it is.

Now if they had simply bought the company off for a few grand at the beginning, they would have avoided this whole mess.
Reply to this comment
by nixermac June 15, 2009 10:48 AM PDT
The going away of a law breaker does not resolve the crime. Imagine if the criminals just went away from the town and the complainant just kept quiet. There is a possibility for Psystar to come back with a new name and funds. There is a possibility for other such people like Rudy Pedraza to start a cloning business without legal rights.

Apple is doing what it should do. Actually the stay in the copyright case should not be valid since it permits one to continue committing the crime without any disposition.
by Vegaman_Dan June 15, 2009 11:03 AM PDT
Apple can't change bankruptcy laws and that's what they are doing. I'm not sure even Apple has the power to change federal law just for their own desires.
by Seaspray0 June 15, 2009 11:23 AM PDT
They waited a long time before suing pystar. Now they can't sue fast enough. Shoddy timing on their part.
by odubtaig June 15, 2009 12:41 PM PDT
"It's clear from the court documents that Apple is looking for a judgment in the case, not monetary damages. The company said in the filing that it understands that it can't collect against Psystar except through bankruptcy proceedings. "

Is this I Can't Be Bothered to Read Day on CNET?
by LaTene_Man June 15, 2009 1:43 PM PDT
As kcotham stated, it's not unusual for companies facing a losing court battle to hid behind bankruptcy law. It happens all the time, with individuals and with companies.
by pentest June 15, 2009 3:59 PM PDT
"Apple can't change bankruptcy laws and that's what they are doing. I'm not sure even Apple has the power to change federal law just for their own desires."

Microsoft does and has.
by DanRobinson June 15, 2009 9:56 AM PDT
We need legal reform. This process is just a cash cow for lawyers. What should have happened last year is a judge saying, "Yep. You're ripping off Apple's intellectual property. Shut your doors. Here's your fine. Will that be cash or check? Next case!"
Reply to this comment
by nixermac June 15, 2009 10:49 AM PDT
Agree 101%
by Michichael June 15, 2009 9:59 AM PDT
Quick! He's down! Kick him!
Reply to this comment
by shycelticwitch June 15, 2009 10:25 AM PDT
I predicted the Psystar crash before they sold their first unit. The foreign hackintoshes will soon follow
Reply to this comment
by monkeyfun14 June 15, 2009 10:37 AM PDT
US law has no jurisdiction in other countries.
by Perry_Clease June 15, 2009 11:54 AM PDT
"US law has no jurisdiction in other countries."

Most every country has copyright laws. Not that it would necessarily be easy to bring the EULA thieves to court in Russia.
by ralfthedog June 15, 2009 3:16 PM PDT
US law can block illegal products from being imported. Customs stops black market counterfeit products from entering the country all the time. A small number of counterfeit Macs may come into the country from Mexico under a load of squash. This will not have a large impact on the US market.
by LaTene_Man June 15, 2009 3:22 PM PDT
Good point ralfthedog. But Apple sells computers in all those other markets as well. They'll still have to fight these guys in their own courts. Plus, if I'm not mistaken, if a company has regional headquarters in another country, they can sue in that country's courts, right?
by kelmon June 15, 2009 10:53 AM PDT
I just want to see a judgement made on this case so that this topic can finally be closed, one way or the other.

To be fair, I always said that Psystar would be toast in this case, win or lose, but I didn't expect it to happen before the end.
Reply to this comment
by weegg June 15, 2009 11:44 AM PDT
Lol, my brother-in-law bought 10 mac classics (mid-80's) to convert to fish aquariums to sell. He was shocked to find 8 of them still worked. I like to see how many pc vendors pcs last like that.

hmmm, didn't think so.
Reply to this comment
by Perry_Clease June 15, 2009 11:55 AM PDT
Well to be fair, if the PCs were made from quality components they would probably still work.
by kcotham June 15, 2009 11:57 AM PDT
Nice! They're fun to play around with. Being so small, they are great to write on. The black and white monitor is very easy on the eyes too. It's also neat to see how far computers have come in 25 years. I wouldn't mind having one.
by Dalkorian June 15, 2009 12:11 PM PDT
I have an old Mac 512K sitting in the shed right now. Last I knew it still works like a charm - except the OS was contaminated with a virus. My roommate at the time tried to clean it up, but ended up corrupting the OS beyond recognition - hence the retirement. But my point is the hardware still works - or did when it was retired (no guarantees after years sitting in the shed, of course!)
by kcotham June 15, 2009 12:41 PM PDT
You can still find the OS disks and disk images. Look around in eBay and the forums. Used to be able to get them straight from Apple. It'd be interesting to fire it up, if it were mine.
by LaTene_Man June 15, 2009 2:49 PM PDT
Cool! Can I have one?
by Raabscuttle June 15, 2009 3:26 PM PDT
point 1) Apple doesn't make the MAC hardware, they buy it from other companies. The same companies that make HP, Dell, Acer, Toshiba, Sony, etc. 85% of the laptops of the world are made by 5 Far East companies. Besides the shell and features (and in Apples case, the OS), they are essentually the same boxes.

point 2) why on earth would Apple give up control of what hardware that THEIR operating system would work with (or work well with) - then you'd get Windows and Linux all over again (and it took the varioud Linux flavors years to build up a respectible drivers base).
Reply to this comment
by mathcreative July 29, 2009 10:23 PM PDT
even if apple used the exact same companies as the other pc venders. Theirs still the possibility that these companies are selling higher quality parts to apple. For example video card manufactures have a professional line as well as casual gamer line. I have no idea what apple chooses. I was just pointing out that just because apple buys from the same people, it doesn't mean they get the same stuff.
by pentest June 15, 2009 3:51 PM PDT
This is a big gamble for Apple. If they lose look for Dell, HP, etc to start selling clones.

Of course, this will be a win for consumers and be extremely damaging to MS.
Reply to this comment
by RompStar_420 June 15, 2009 3:53 PM PDT
This company should have been called PsychoStar, stealing others OS and then talking garbage to defend them self.
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