Search Here

The news has broken that the American multinational company, Apple Inc. has filed a lawsuit against the firm Mobile Star LLC accusing them of violating its copyrights and registered trademarks.

The legal process began when Apple took the Mobile Star LLC in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

The case primarily involves showcasing and selling duplicate power products such as charging cables and adapters for the company. The counterfeited products are sold online on Amazon and Groupon.

Mobile Star counterfeit product

The news suggests that the case involves duplication of Lightning to USB cables and 5W USB Power Adapters. Apart from the fraud, the other issue raised is the significant threat to the consumer.

The reports claim that the fake products do not have sufficient insulation posing a danger. Some products even lack proper spacing between low and high voltage circuits. In such a case, the risk of overheating, electrical shock and fire will arise.

Apple's Concerns

Apple has shown extreme concerns towards the customer's safety. The company claims that it never compromises with the safety of its endeared customers. Through exhaustive testing, it always ensures that its products meet the safety standards and are extremely reliable. However, such instances bring bad name and tarnish the reputation of the company.

Amazon's Story

Reports suggest no direct involvement of Amazon, the behemoth American e-commerce company. Amazon claims no relevance in the production of false products. However, allegedly and surprisingly still plays a role in the complete story.

A few complainants allege that the lookalike products are shipped and sold by Amazon. The petitioners also allege that the company describes these as genuine Apple products. Apple has shown concern towards the negativity brought to its sale, name, and customers.

The Case in Point

To understand the sale of knockoff products Apple has been exercising continuous purchase of Mobile Star LLC's USB, chargers, and cables. It took at least nine months of hardship, and it bought about 100 iPhone accessories. Later, it intimated Amazon following the removal of the product selling privileges from its website.

The company took a substantial step, seeing the extension of fake product distribution to Groupon and direct sales. The fraud was confirmed when an inspector got a counterfeit Apple Ear Pods headphones and cables from Mobile Star. The company also showed a lack of concern when directly approached by Apple.

As compensation, Apple seeks $150,000 for registered copyright infringement and $2 million for trademark infringement. Moreover, Amazon has shown sincerity by stating that they work directly with sellers and not the wrongdoers.

The result to Apple Inc. Vs. Mobile star LLC will favor the appropriate one. Let us wait for the further updates.