The USB-IF Sides With Apple Against Palm's iPod Spoofing

The USB Implementers Forum has sided with Apple against the methods used by Palm to enable iTunes Sync.

In July, Palm spoofed Apple's USB Vender ID to re-enable iTunes sync for the Palm Pre. This behavior is specifically against the rules for use of USB.

Unauthorized use of assigned or unassigned USB Vendor ID Numbers and associated Product ID Numbers are strictly prohibited.


The company also filed a complaint with the USB Implementers Forum saying that Apple's blocking of the Palm Vender ID constitutes improper use.

“Palm believes that openness and interoperability offer better experiences for users by allowing them the freedom to use the content they own without interference across devices and services, so on behalf of consumers, we have notified the USB Implementers Forum [USB-IF] of what we believe is improper use of the Vendor ID number by another member."

Palm believed that Apple had violated “the letter and spirit of the USB-IF Membership Agreement,” which is “intended to facilitate interoperability between USB devices, not to regulate the content that flows between them.”

USB-IF has finally responded saying, “In the view of the USB-IF, Palm’s allegation (if true) does not establish that Apple is using its Vendor ID (VID) contrary to the USB-IF’s policies. Therefore, under present USB-IF policies, the USB-IF does not consider the alleged use, without more, to be ‘improper.’”


The USB-IF continues to suggest that Plam's intent to use Apple's Vendor Identification Number appears to violate the USB-IF policies.

Your letter also states that:

Palm will shortly issue an update of its WebOS operating system that uses Apple’s Vendor ID number for the sole purpose of restoring the Palm media sync functionality.”

I attach for your information the USB-IF’s adopted and published policy regarding Vendor Identification Numbers (VIDs). 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. Palm’s expressed intent to use Apple’s VID appears to violate the attached policy.

Please clarify Palm’s intent and respond to this potential violation within seven days.

Read More