Chicago (IL) – Mac clone maker Psystar reportedly is in talks with Apple to resolve a potential legal mess. It seems that both parties have agreed to an alternative dispute resolution process (ADR) which might result in an out-of-court settlement. Rumor has it that Apple did not have a clean case after all, but the company showed once more that it does not acceptMac-clone makers.
The Mac Observer cites a source who claims both parties entered into an ADR process, although it is unknown at this point which party initiated the move, or if a judge urged the companies to do so. "ADR is a private process whereby both parties can meet and work out a resolution in lieu of going to trial," the told the Mac Observer. "Exactly why this has happened is not known at this point."
Apparently, Apple and Psystar laid out their case before an independent arbitrator who does not have the power to force them into a settlement. The process continues with neutral expert, who evaluates each party's statement to facilitate a settlement. In the final phase, the mediator steps in to help reach a settlement, the terms of which are likely to remain undisclosed. This process can take up to several months.
Psystar began selling cheap Intel-based desktop computers and servers with OS X Leopard pre-installed in April of this year. The move generated lots headlines and caught the attention of Apple's legal team, which the sued Psystar in July for copyright and software licensing violations. Psystar lawyers threatened with a counter-lawsuit, alleging that Apple is engaging in anti-competitive tactics by tying its Mac OS X operating system to its own computers.
The Mac Observer cites a source who claims both parties entered into an ADR process, although it is unknown at this point which party initiated the move, or if a judge urged the companies to do so. "ADR is a private process whereby both parties can meet and work out a resolution in lieu of going to trial," the told the Mac Observer. "Exactly why this has happened is not known at this point."
Apparently, Apple and Psystar laid out their case before an independent arbitrator who does not have the power to force them into a settlement. The process continues with neutral expert, who evaluates each party's statement to facilitate a settlement. In the final phase, the mediator steps in to help reach a settlement, the terms of which are likely to remain undisclosed. This process can take up to several months.
Psystar began selling cheap Intel-based desktop computers and servers with OS X Leopard pre-installed in April of this year. The move generated lots headlines and caught the attention of Apple's legal team, which the sued Psystar in July for copyright and software licensing violations. Psystar lawyers threatened with a counter-lawsuit, alleging that Apple is engaging in anti-competitive tactics by tying its Mac OS X operating system to its own computers.