Feb 26

The iPhone As It Is - Illegal In Australia?

The iPhone may face some serious legal problems in Australia, but the interesting part is that these problems may lead Apple into selling unlocked iPhones...or drop the idea of entering the Australian market. How's that possible? Well, that's what we shall see right away...

iPhone

According to a group of law researchers located in Queensland, "The iPhone is breaking new ground in using technology to restrict customer's choice in technology markets.", so releasing the iPhone in Australia and requiring its buyers to sign a contract with a certain carrier could enter in contradiction with the Trade Practices Act provision dealing with third-line forcing.

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) law researcher Dale Clapperton said "This law will greatly simplify the task of seeking redress for such behaviour through the courts and could prove a deterrent for exclusive release of the iPhone with one carrier.", so "If Apple enter into an exclusive agreement with any particular carrier then it would be a matter for the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) as to whether that agreement was anticompetitive and contravened the trade practices act."

Do I have to say more? Apple Australia didn't say anything yet, but I hope they will decide to make things easier for everyone and sell unlocked iPhones there. "At least there", I must add. In the end, they may lose some revenue, but they will surely improve their image a lot!