Apple sues three MagSafe adapter clone sellers
updated 05:25 pm EDT, Fri July 9, 2010
Apple targets three for copying MagSafe design
Apple on Thursday sued three US resellers for allegedly infringing on the patents behind the MagSafe power adapters for the MacBook and MacBook Pro. The Northern District of California complaint accuses Brilliant Store, Hootoo and Sunvalleytek International of selling copies such as the "AC Adapter MagSafe" without permission. The companies involved in some cases have made it clear both that they sell the actual power bricks as well as the duplicates.
The lawsuit isn't unique for Apple and stems from the proprietary design of the MagSafe connector, a patent for which was granted in August 2003. Most Windows notebook builders use largely standard power connectors and often don't have patents. Critics of Apple have contended that the power connector patent lets it keep pricing high, although reliability and support are possible factors.
The resellers in the new lawsuit have been contacted but haven't responded publicly to the accusations. [via CNET]
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2000
Knock off
The linked site is definitely selling an obvious knock off.
I wonder if they are getting the connector parts from the supplier who manufactures official ones for Apple or not? I know it's pretty common practice for some of those factories to make more product than was ordered by the OEM and then sell the excess through shady distributors for a little on the side profit.
I have seen more legitimate companies selling extended batteries with magsafe tips that have been recycled from dead legitimate apple power adapters.
If you have any broken power adapters I wouldn't be surprised if there is a small market for selling the connector cables to niche market equipment dealers who can recycle them.