Linux software developer Tex9 recently noted that they have changed the name of their iTunes-like MP3 software xtunes, at the behest of Apple’s legal department. Cheekily, Tex9 has chosen the new name of “sumi.”
While Tex9 admitted that xtunes was created “in response to jealousy” of iTunes’ ease of use, the company defended itself by saying that it never sought to duplicate iTunes for Linux. “Anyone who has used iTunes and xtunes can attest to this, but they do share some similarities,” the company said. In fact, xtunes/sumi’s interface is remarkably similar to iTunes.
Regardless, Tex9 noted that Apple’s legal department has accused them of copyright and trademark infringement. And after their own legal review Tex9 concluded that its “desire to keep the name xtunes and its current interface is much less than the time and money it would cost to try to” defend themselves against legal action, said the developer.
So, xtunes has become “sumi,” and Tex9 said it’ll next work to revamp the software’s interface, ostensibly to make it less iTunes-like. The company said that its relationship with Apple’s legal eagles has thus far been “amicable” and hopes to keep it as such.
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