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May 23, 2007 8:56 AM PDT

Apple reportedly angered by 'iGasm' ads

by Caroline McCarthy
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(Credit: Ann Summers)

Apple's legal team appears to have its panties in a twist over an unusual subject: sex toys. We all know that there are a few things that Apple likes to keep to itself. Its name, for example--remember that little Beatles spat?

Now, Macworld is reporting that Apple's not, shall we say, excited about an ad campaign for the "iGasm" from naughty-appliance manufacturer Ann Summers. (WARNING: You might not want to click on that link at the office.) It's a little $60 gadget that encourages open-minded consumers to "take your appreciation of music to a whole new level" through a vibrating add-on; we'll leave the rest up to your imagination.

Apple does have a point. The salacious "iGasm" advertisement does look more or less exactly like its easily recognized iPod ads, except that, well, there's something resembling a white earbud cord meandering down to the scantily clad nether regions of the female silhouette depicted.

The promotions, consequently, are rubbing Apple's lawyers the wrong way. They're allegedly demanding that Ann Summers strip down all ads for the iGasm or face legal action.

According to the Brit tabloid News of the World, Ann Summers CEO Jacqueline Gold's response was, "Perhaps I can send them an iGasm to put a smile back on their faces!" CNET News.com has been unable to verify that statement.

Caroline McCarthy, a CNET News staff writer, is a downtown Manhattanite happily addicted to social-media tools and restaurant blogs. Her pre-CNET resume includes interning at an IT security firm and brewing cappuccinos. E-mail Caroline.
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You guys must have had fun writing this article :)
by natejohnstone May 24, 2007 12:16 PM PDT
well done. The iGasm is redickulous, but I'm glad you got off writing this article.
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The REAL shocker here...
by Wolfie2k5 May 25, 2007 5:20 AM PDT
...isn't so much about the advertisement itself - no, no...

The REAL shocker here is they didn't get their collective undies in a bunch about the NAME iGasm itself. Er...maybe they figured it would probably be best not to touch with the proverbial 10 foot pole..
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Good luck perusing that...
by Rod Roddy May 25, 2007 7:32 AM PDT
Two behemoths, Apple and the sex industry! Yeah?!, Tell me how that one goes.
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frikkin awesome
by emoslayer6224 May 25, 2007 3:42 PM PDT
that's the funniest apple lawsuit ive seen in a lonnnnnnnggggg time.
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