iPhony clones the new Apple iPhone user interface

Continuing on the intellectual property theme, news surfaced today that Apple is threatening to sue the folks behind iPhony, a cloned version of Apple’s iPhone user interface that Steve Jobs unveiled a few days ago. The iPhony “skin” provides users who download it with a look-a-like set of icons that they can load on smartphones currently using alternative operating systems such as Windows Mobile. Spotlighting News posted an excerpt from the letter that Apple has been circulating to the creators and distributors behind the iPhony. Here’s an excerpt:

“It has come to our attention that you have posted a screenshot of Apple’s new iPhone and links that facilitate the installation of that screenshot on a PocketPC device. While we appreciate your interest in the iPhone, the icons and screenshot displayed on your website are copyrighted by Apple. Apple therefore demands that you remove this screenshot from your website and refrain from facilitating the further dissemination of Apple’s copyrighted material…”

(Thanks Paul!)