New Spypod Woodworking project draws the ire of Steve Jobs and Apple Computers

[BobD]

Apple Computers has apparently heard about Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts’(SSW&C) newest project, the Spypod.
Famous for his mercurial temper and aggressive ways, Steve Jobs' corporate minions are on the warpath, objecting to the handcrafted wooden Spypod 5-in-1 gadgets with threats of litigation.
"If anyone is going to develop a Dick Tracy-like device to fit into a kid's pocket, it's going to be Apple," Jobs is rumored to have said from his corporate throne room. "Whether it's Toy Story or Ipods—we know what kids want, and are not going to let some Amishman in Lancaster County trade on our name."
The Spypod is featured on the cover of the latest issue of SSW&C. It boasts a secret decoder ring, a magnifying glass, a telescope, a signal mirror, and a hidden rubber band gun. The entire project, except the mirror, magnifying lenses and ammunition, is made from wood. It was designed and built by Carl Hird-Rutter, a water-meter reader from Canada, who created the prototypes in his basement shop with only a scroll saw and a drill.
Carl designed the Spypod as something a loving parent or grandparent could make and give to an admiring child. In a world overwhelmed by technology, the Spypod was an attempt to stimulate a child's imagination and encourage them to play outside, instead of devoting all of their time to computers and television.
"It's just sour grapes," said Bob Duncan, Technical Editor of SSW&C. "I think someone made him (Jobs) one as a gift, and he's upset that he didn't think of it first. Plus, I think he’s taking it as a threat because replacing kid’s computer time hurts his business. "
A photo from this past weekend shows Jobs excitedly holding a Spypod, while wearing a SSWC T-Shirt.

" This threat really hurts," says Alan Giagnocavo, Publisher of Fox Chapel Publishing, the parent company of SSW&C. "First off, I am not now and have never been Amish. Guys like Steve need to learn that not everyone in Lancaster County is Amish. This is just a big corporation trying to control the world through high-pressure legal tactics. Is nothing sacred? Aren’t we free in our own woodshops?
No Apple representative was available for comment.

[CanadianScroller]

I just got a letter from Apple. It seems that Steve Jobs got wind of the Spypod, and felt that it was infringing on his IPod trademark. The letter, a copy of which was sent to Fox Chapel Publishing, tells me to stop any tech support for the Spypod, and immediately send all of my working prototypes to Apple.

I'm not sure exactly what to do; I've contacted my attorney and have to meet with him later today.

I know some of you are making the Spypod....so I'm sorry that I can't help you if you have any assembly questions; there is a gag order in effect. I probably shouldn't even be posting this, but I don't want any of you to get in trouble for making the Spypod.

My attorney says I may be OK living in Canada since both Canada and US have different regulations governing trademark infringement.
There is an issue regarding Free Trade and NAFTA which I overlooked too but I will have more information sometime tomorrow.

Once again I apologize to all the readers and to Fox Chapel for any damages I may have caused.

Yours sincerly Carl Hird-Rutter.

[Jediscroller]

Happy April Fool's day to you 2 also.

[CanadianScroller]

This is the response I got this afternoon.

Enoch Thompson,
Luddite and Hammer Associates


Dear Mr Hird-Rutter,

We have been in contact with the concerned parties and have come to this mutual agreement. I would strongly advise you to accept the terms here in and pursue this no further.

You may continue to make the Spypod toy as outlined in Scroll Saw Woodworking & Craft's Issue 31.
However you will not construct said article out of Apple wood.
Pear and Cherry are acceptable alternatives.

Mr Job's attorneys have implied that your original title for the project, MICROSPY with VISTA VIEW would have been a preferable name.

I have also forwarded a copy of this letter to Alan Giagnocavo, Publisher of Fox Chapel Publishing and Bob Duncan, Technical Editor of SSW&C
If you have any other concerns in this matter please do not hesitate to contact me.

May your future endeavours prove less taxing than this one.
Have a pleasant first of April,
Your humble servant,

Enoch Thompson

[Wood Dog]

This must be an April Fools joke because that photo of Steve Jobs is sure doctored up. Steve Jobs is a slender man, and he sure looks very puffy in that photo. I for one am not fooled. Ha Ha to you too.

[Trout]

that's a good one....you guys got me hook, line and sinker....

Trout

[Pop]

Duncan... You and Carl definitely have too much free time on your hands! If it wasn't that I've been innundated with April Fools stuff all day, I probably wouldn't have been ready for it. Nicely thought out though...

[groverd]

absolutely marvelous!!!! I don't buy many but sure bit on that one!! Way to old to bite on many!!

[USMC1126]

I've got an old apple log in my basement... I think I'll take it to work and resaw it tomorrow, lol.

King

[lucky788scroller]

Carl, maybe you and Fox Chapel should contact JZ for some legal advice!!!