Ron Schenone

Apple vs Blogger Settle Lawsuit – Site Closed Down

Posted by on Dec 20, 2007 | 2 Comments

In a David vs Goliath scene, the tables have been turned. It is Goliath [Apple] that seems to have won this round. Or has it? Since the terms of the settlement may not be known, it is up in the air exactly what has happened. What is known is that Nick Ciarelli has closed down his Think Secret’s web site after reaching some type of an understanding with Apple.

Seems Nick was sued by Apple back in 2005 when the computer company felt that some of their secret trade stuff was being compromised, since Nick was posting information about some of their products before they were released. It is thought that Nick never did give up his sources, but no one knows for sure. Maybe that was part of the settlement as well. Who knows.

On his web site Nick states:

Apple, Think Secret settle lawsuit

December 20, 2007 – PRESS RELEASE: Apple and Think Secret have settled their lawsuit, reaching an agreement that results in a positive solution for both sides. As part of the confidential settlement, no sources were revealed and Think Secret will no longer be published. Nick Ciarelli, Think Secret’s publisher, said “I’m pleased to have reached this amicable settlement, and will now be able to move forward with my college studies and broader journalistic pursuits.”

But this does make one wonder………. wonder how Apple would of responded to say a similar article by the Wall Street Journal or some other large newspaper. Would they of sued? Or are 1st Amendment rights not available for bloggers? Just a thought.

What do you think.

Comments welcome.

[tags]apple, think secrets, web site, closed, agreement, sued, rights, bloggers, nick ciarelli, [/tags]

  • Kevin Bailey

    The first amendment applies only to government restricting free speech or freedom of the press. Therefore it does not apply in this example as this is a dispute between to entities, Apple and Think Secret.

    I speak from a bit of ignorance going forward from here as I am unaware of the original article content about Apple that Think Secret revealed.

    Individuals and other entities have rights which can and should be protected. If someone is slandering you or revealing trade secrets in their blog or paper you have the right to protect yourself through many avenues.

    People or organizations developing new things often make agreements with others to assist in this development. Part of the agreement is to protect the secret with penalties attached if one should fail to do so. The people that shared the information should have been aware of that agreement and the consequences if they shared secrets with Think Secret. The consequences of that agreement should be enforced. Unless the activities put the public at risk these secrets should be protected.

    I think a major publication like the WSJ would have taken this into consideration prior to going to press. They would have reviewed the respect of Apples secrets against the public safety and made a decision.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hi Kevin,
    Good points. Thanks for the comments.