Kamikaze1414779018 Posted January 14 Report Share Posted January 14 Student Says He Can't Afford To Defend Apple LawsuitFriday January 14, 1:20 PM ESTBOSTON (AP)--A 19-year-old Harvard student being sued by Apple Computer Inc. ( AAPL) over a claim that his online publication revealed Apple's trade secrets said Friday he can't afford a lawyer to defend himself.But Nicholas M. Ciarelli said he hopes to find free or low-cost legal help to argue that he deserves First Amendment protection and used proper newsgathering techniques to break news about the new $499 Mac mini computer and other inside information about Apple."A lot of lawyers are interested in my case, but few are able to do it for free or low cost," Ciarelli said in an e-mail interview. "I'm seeking representation."Ciarelli, who described himself as "an enthusiastic fan of Apple's products since an early age," uses the pen name "Nick dePlume" as editor and publisher of www.thinksecret.com, which differs from so-called "blogs" in that it accepts advertising. He started the Web site at age 13 in 1998. Stories about developments at Apple have made the site popular with enthusiasts of the company's products as well as industry analysts and reporters.An article posted Dec. 28 revealed details of an inexpensive, bare-bones Mac mini computer that would be priced at $499.The article, which cited "highly reliable sources," led to industry rumors that preceded Apple's launch of the product Tuesday at Apple's MacWorld conference.Another Think Secret story on Jan. 6 predicted Apple's rollout at this week's show of a $99 iPod music player.Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple on Jan. 4 sued in Superior Court in San Jose County, naming as defendants Think Secret and unnamed sources who tipped off the online publication about the Mac mini launch.Apple said in a statement that it believes Think Secret "solicited information about unreleased Apple products from these individuals, who violated their confidentiality agreements with Apple by providing details that were later posted on the Internet."Ciarelli's identity as the site's editor and publisher was not revealed until Wednesday, when The Harvard Crimson, the student newspaper, published the information.Ciarelli said Think Secret's reporting "helps to generate interest in Apple and its products."He said he's "confident that Think Secret's reporting is consistent with the rights protected by the First Amendment. I haven't used any improper newsgathering techniques."Neither the dePlume organization nor I can afford to defend a suit against Apple, and have few connections in California," he said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pod Posted January 15 Report Share Posted January 15 Good to see Apple can act like a bastard corporation too when it suits them. The Mini Mac wasn't exactly a trade secret. Take commodity Mac parts, stuff them into a tiny case, boom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tgibson Posted January 15 Report Share Posted January 15 The Mini Mac wasn't exactly a trade secret. Take commodity Mac parts, stuff them into a tiny case, boom. good point... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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