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Apple Agrees to Hold Off on Subpoenas
ido writes "Apple has agreed to hold off on serving subpoenas related to their John Doe civil suits against some free press journalists to reveal sources releasing Apple's "trade secrets." This is related to a previous article." The original story has some more background info as well. While Apple is notorious for its secrecy before MacWorlds, Apple probably figured out that dragging people into court usually does little for one's popularity.
Has Apple received extra PR attention? Yes.
Has Apple made it clear that it can and will do what it takes to suppress any leaks? Yes.
Apple is a profitable company, it doesn't need lawsuits to stay in business, cetainly not chasing its own tail or shooting in the dark lawsuits.
Rock that crushes, Paper & Scissors that don't matter.
"Apple probably figured out that dragging people into court usually does little for one's popularity."
Pre-teen girl: Lyke OMG!!1!11!1!!! did u c how apple dragged all the peeps to court or somethin'?? I totalie wont by a ipOd now!
Ya...I don't think it'll shake down that way....
I stand by the theory that it is a bad idea to start suing your best free advertiser! I really dont care how much "hey look whats coming" data is released early, the worst it can do is raise interest in the product! I understand you may say that it lets competitors into the game a little early, but honestly, who other than apple fanatics gives a crap about what they are making? I know people copy them, but again, still not direct competition. Suing a HUGE apple fan site is the worst way to get good publicity.
No, it can unreasonably raise expectations to the point that reality becomes underwhelming.