For Apple, It May Not Be the Money

You’ve probably heard the buzz created when Apple's attorneys contacted promotional products distributors last week. The issue is aftermarket charging cords and AC adapters sold that connect to iPads, iPhones and iPods, and Apple’s claim that they infringe on Apple patents. The attorneys are requesting, on behalf of Apple, that distributors immediately stop selling the products. Distributors I’ve spoken to say that this is a major issue. These products are in increasing demand from their end-user clients at precisely the time suppliers are pulling them from their product lines. Suppliers we’ve asked are hesitant to comment due to expected litigation, but it’s quite possible the industry impact may be even bigger than is being reported.