There are a slew of problems brewing for Apple right now. It seems that Creative is going on the offensive once again about the iPod patent.
The U.S. International Trade Commission plans to launch an investigation into Apple Computer’s popular iPod digital music player for possible patent infringement, Creative Technology said Wednesday.
The ITC is an independent federal agency that reviews patent disputes for possible infringement and unfair trade practices. The commission’s decision to review the matter follows two lawsuits filed last month by Singapore-based Creative and its U.S. subsidiary, Creative Labs.
Creative, maker of the rival Zen portable digital media player, alleges that Apple’s iPod infringed on its user interface patent for its Zen and Nomad digital media players. [cnet]
The iPod woes continue with recent claims that factories in China, where iPods are manufactured, have extremely harsh working conditions for its workers.
Over the past week, a firestorm has brewed over a report in Britain’s Mail on Sunday which claimed extremely harsh working conditions at iPod factories. The original story is not available online, but Arstechnica has posted a good summary of the article.
In brief, two factories were visited by Mail on Sunday reporters. The first factory was found to be forcing its staff to work 15 hour days for $50 USD per month. The second facility benefited from being in closer proximity to Shanghai, and workdays were shortened to 12 hours/day and workers were paid almost $100 USD per month. Security guards were paid up to $150 USD per month, although much of that had to be paid back to the company for housing and food. In addition to long hours, work days were said to often be accompanied by military-style drills. [macrumors]