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Apple sues teenager for white iPhone conversion kits

Lam to the slaughter

Apple has thrown the book at a student who last year sold White iPhone 4 conversion kits to those sick of waiting for an official product to surface.

In November 2010, with release dates for the white iPhone 4 constantly pushed back, one fanboy's impatience got the better of him. New York teen Fei Lam ordered parts from Apple manufacturer Foxconn and started making his own version, selling conversion kits online for a tidy profit.

Naturally, Apple wasn't too happy about the situation and soon sent a private investigator after the poor lad. Despite the subsequent removal of Lam's website, WhiteiPhone4Now.com, the company has now filed a law suit against the boy and his family.

White iphone 4 conversion kit

According to Apple, Lam infringed upon patents and violated its trademark, using deceptive practices in the creation and sale of the product. As Lam is only 17 years old, Apple is holding the boy's parents responsible.

Immediately after filing the lawsuit, Apple posted a voluntary request for dismissal, prompting speculation that a settlement had already been agreed.

In an instant message with Fast Company, Lam revealed he was unsure of the details, though, and would meet with Apple's legal team within the next month to clear things up and finally cool off the white heat. ®

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