Apple vs. Psystar - It's not about money!

The Florida-based Mac-clone maker Psystar threw in the towel back in May and filed for bankruptcy, but that doesn't mean that Apple is willing to call off the hounds.

Last Friday Judge Robert A. Mark of the US Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District of Florida signed an order allowing Apple to proceed in its copyright-infringement case against the clone builder. But the order also makes it clear that Apple can't go after Psystar for money:

Apple must seek further relief from this Court before executing any money judgment obtained in the Infringement Action.

And what's really interesting is that Apple has agreed not to pursue Psystar for any cash. It might seem that Apple is now flogging a dead horse, but there's actually method to what appears to us as madness. This isn't about money anymore (if it ever was ... let's face it, what fraction of a percent of Apple's worth did Psystar ever represent), it's about setting a precedent and sending out a clear message to anyone else thinking about selling Mac clones - go up against Apple and you'll lose.

Well, at least if the cloners are based in the US.