Standards group the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) has endorsed Apple's decision to block Palm Pre handsets from synching with iTunes, stating that Palm, not Apple is in breach of Forum policies.
Palm filed a complaint to the forum last month, arguing that Apple was restraining trade by only allowing Apple devices to synch to iTunes – a violation of the group’s membership agreement.
But the USB-IF yesterday dismissed this claim, stating that Palm has not established that Apple is using its vendor ID number contrary to the group's policies.
It said Palm's plan to use Apple's vendor ID number to represent the Pre as an Apple product violated the organization’s rules.
“Under the policy, Palm may only use the single Vendor ID issued to Palm for Palm’s usage. Usage of any other company’s Vendor ID is specifically precluded,” the letter reads, according to All Things Digital.
The forum has given Palm seven days to respond to the potential violation. Palm said it would review the letter and respond.