Apple has found itself in a strange position in China. Baili, a small-time Chinese smartphone manufacturer, has sued the technology giant for copying its designs. The firm claims that the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus stole designs from its own Baili 100C smartphone.
Baili had already found some success in the lower Chinese courts, receiving an injunction against the sale of the iPhone 6 in the country. The execution of this injunction has been stayed as Apple has filed for an appeal with the higher courts; and will be able to continue selling its smartphone in the country until a decision is made.
The claim against Apple points out that the design of the iPhone 6 is extremely similar to the Baili 100C; which was available months before Apple launched its flagship phone. Oddly enough, the suit doesn’t mention the iPhone 6S – which also has a similar profile and design.
Both the phones in question share a vague resemblance. Although, to be fair, so does every smartphone in the market today. Nobody is going around suing each other over it either.
It is unlikely that the higher courts will find in favour of Baili. However, the burden of proof is now on Apple; which really shouldn’t be too difficult to pull off. If anything, this looks like an expensive publicity stunt from Baili.
[Source: Fortune]
