Apple blocks cheaper UK iPod sales
By Kelly Fiveash
25 Apr 2008 13:03

Grey skies loom over 'grey' iPods

Apple is threatening legal action against 11 UK e-tailers unless they stop selling iPods imported from outside the UK.

The computer giant has complained to a number of well-known online retailers which were buying iPods in the US – where they sell for £15 less than the UK– and then selling them at a knocked-down price to customers in Blighty.

The undertakings issued by London law firm Bird & Bird and seen by The Register, demand e-tailers stop selling what it described as “Grey iPods” anywhere in Europe.

The Cupertino-based firm also threatened to bring legal action against any e-tailer outfit that “infringes” Apple’s rights.

It told the 11 UK e-tailers that they shouldn't "in future import into the EEA [European Economic Area] offer, sell or otherwise put on the market in the EEA any products bearing the rights (save where such products have been first put on the market in the EEA by Apple itself or with Apple’s express consent) or assist any other to do so”.


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