ALLEGED PIRACY: A group of prominent Chinese writers are demanding $3.5 million in compensation from Apple Inc. for allegedly selling unlicensed versions of their books in its online store.
REVERSAL: The case is a departure from the usual pattern of U.S artists or companies going after Chinese copycats. Trade groups say illegal Chinese copying of music, designer clothing and other goods costs legitimate producers billions of dollars a year in lost sales.
APPLE SAYS: Apple spokeswoman Carolyn Wu said the company respects intellectual property and responds to complaints quickly. She declined to get into specifics of the Chinese writers’ claims.
