IPhone Lawsuits

- Some users have "unlocked" their iPhones to use with other service providers
- Firmware updates crashed unlocked iPhones
- Class action suits allege monopoly by Apple and AT&TChannelWeb: Apple, AT&T Hit With Lawsuit... (October 11, 2007)
- iPhone service offered exclusively through AT&T

The popular iPhone has spurred several lawsuits since its release. The latest is a class action lawsuit filed in Long Island by Avi Koschitzki. The suit alleges that the iPhone's casing is prone to cracks, and goes on to criticize AT&T's sub-par 3G network.CrunchGear: Apple hit with class-action lawsuit over cracked iPhone (November 14, 2008) An August 2008 lawsuit complained of similar problems with AT&T's 3G network.CrunchGear: Lawsuit filed against Apple over 'defective' iPhone 3G (August 21, 2008)
Additional Lawsuits
A 2007 lawsuit alleged that Apple and its exclusive carrier AT&T were violating antitrust laws by not allowing users to install software updates after unlocking the phone to use on other networks such as Verizon Wireless. On October 1, 2007, Apple representatives warned users that unlocking their iPhone can cause permanent and inoperable damage. Soon after, Timothy Smith of California filed a state suit against Apple and AT&T for establishing a mobile phone monopoly. A federal suit was filed by Paul Holman and Lucy Rivello with similar allegations.ChannelWeb: Apple, AT&T Hit With Lawsuit... (October 11, 2007)
Cisco Systems, Inc. filed a suit against Apple in the beginning of 2007 claiming they held a trademark on the name "iPhone." The suit was eventually dropped.InternetNews.com: Cisco Disconnects From iPhone Lawsuit (February 21, 2007)
iPhone Lawsuit Quotes

"I don't see it as a monopoly at all. It sounds to me like business is business and Apple has a product and they've chosen a channel to sell it through. You could either use that channel or not. If I want to buy a Mercedes you have to buy it from a Mercedes dealer."--Rory Sanchez, CEO of SL PowersChannelWeb: Apple, AT&T Hit With Lawsuit... (October 11, 2007)