Apple wins first i-Mac look and feel case in Japan

The look-and-feel means a lot to Apple Computer and its

ability to differentiate its computers from Windows-based machines. This

week the company won an important court victory against Japan’s Sotec,

which has been trying to market a Windows-based i-Mac look-alike computer.

The Tokyo District Court this week issued an injunction against Sotec

that will prevent the company from producing and selling its eOne. The

court agreed with Apple that the eOne has many features in common with the

iMac. The eOne features the same blue-and-white translucent case as the i-Mac.

The eOne retails for about $1,180 in Japan.

Analysts said they expect Apple to go after any manufacturer who

designs personal computers that offer the same kind of distinct design

features as the i-Mac or its more powerful cousin in the PowerMac line.

Last month, for example, Apple also filed suit against eMachines, a joint

venture of Sotec's two Korean partners, TriGem Computer and Korean Data

Systems. That followed a July lawsuit against Korea’s Daewoo Telecom and

Future Power which also designed i-Mac look-alike Windows PCs. "PC

makers copying the iMac style will be forced to consider their management

strategy,'' said industry analyst Koichi Fujimoto.