iPod Shuffle Clone Stirs Controversy

By Ed Oswald, BetaNews

March 14, 2005, 5:56 PM

Taiwanese company LuxPro was asked by Apple representatives at CeBIT Friday to remove what it calls the "Super Shuffle" from its display case. To the casual observer, at first sight the LuxPro Super Shuffle looks nearly identical as Apple's recently released iPod Shuffle except for some minor changes.

Most notably absent from the Shuffle clone is support for Apple's AAC format, although it does support Windows Media with digital rights management. It also has an FM tuner, which the original Shuffle does not.

It is not clear how Apple will handle what appears to be a clear-cut case of copyright infringements on its design work, as Apple representatives did not respond to requests for comment by press time.

However, Apple has successfully sued companies in the past for attempting to copy its designs, and some press reports indicate Apple is weighing legal options.

LuxPro had its Super Shuffle on display on Friday at the trade show, however, it was removed after requests by Apple lawyers. But according to German technology site Heise Online the unit reappeared in its display case the very next day.

Heise desribed a heated discussion between an Apple product manager and the company representatives Saturday night, which did not bring about a mutual agreement. According to reports, the stand where LuxPro was showing off the unit even had the look of Apple's ad campaigns.