Apple Wants to Stop Publication of 'App Store Confidential' Book Due to Inclusion of 'Business Secrets'

[MacRumors]

Apple is aiming to stop the sale of a new insider book called "App Store Confidential," written by former Apple employee Tom Sadowski who ran Apple's App Store business in Germany until November 2019.

After the book was published yesterday in Germany, Apple sent a cease and desist letter to both Sadowski and publisher Murmann Verlag, reports German news site Focus (via iMore).

Apple claims that the book reveals "business secrets" that are of "considerable economic value," but Sadowski denies the inclusion of proprietary information. Apple also says that Sadowski has violated his employment agreement.

Apple has demanded that Sadowski and his publisher stop selling the book, recall all copies in circulation, and destroy the manuscripts, which Sadowski does not plan to do.

In a statement, Apple said that it has "long supported a free press and supports authors of all kinds" but Sadowski violated employee agreements that should be "applied equally and fairly to all employees."

The book is available only in German and according to one site that read the book, EN24, Apple's allegations are "not entirely understandable" because the author "mostly reveals only the obvious." It's described as "just banal" and more of a field report than an in-depth business analysis, but Apple is notoriously secret so it's no surprise that it wants the book banned either way.

Article Link: Apple Wants to Stop Publication of 'App Store Confidential' Book Due to Inclusion of 'Business Secrets'

 

[adamjackson]

...well that's one way you guarantee the book sells well versus just ignoring it.

 

[Rudy69]

We're going to need an english version now.... it will sell really well now lol

 

[BMcCoy]

Has Apple not heard of the Streisand Effect?

 

[Solomani]

If they are information covered under NDA, and Apple employees are leaking these secrets in violation of their NDA, then Apple has every right to sue for a cease and desist. It's the law, a legal contract. Of course, NDA also has expiration limits such as "You are not to divulge this and that knowledge during your tenure at Apple up to 2 year after you have left Apple's employment."

But otherwise... if not legally covered under NDA, Apple really has no legal weight or right to do much here.

Also: no one remembers Yentl.

 

[Dave-Z]

Apple has demanded that Sadowski and his publisher [...] destroy the manuscripts

Because no bad ever came from destroying works we disagree with. Even if this book does violate some agreement or contain trade secrets, the book should be held, unpublished, somewhere because we shouldn't go around permanently erasing what people create just because we disagree with them.

Honestly, Apple seems more and more petty and vindictive as each day goes by.

 

[makitango]

Back to burning books now, are we? What a time to live in.

 

[Black Magic]

...well that's one way you guarantee the book sells well versus just ignoring it.

Oddly enough, now I want a copy of the book.

 

[roar08]

Installing Duolingo...

 

[jakebrosy]

So...it's in German. And I don't read German. But I just ordered a paperback version. Spent $23+ on a book I'll never read.

There is no better way to sell a book than to ban it. The author should thank Apple (and the media) for making App Store Confidential #2 in German-language books.

 

[Naraxus]

More like Apple wants to stop its publication because it exposes Apple's "30% Take" nonsense and other scams they pull. Apple is so slimy

 

[mi7chy]

I'll buy the German PDF version then translate to English in Google Docs.

Apple probably has more issue with the ex-employee PR than the content.

 

[LuciusWrong]

I dont know the content of the book, but it is a factual matter to say that Apple is being investigated for "anti-competitive" behavior relating to, wait for it...the app store!

So i expect the guy has something interesting to say.

These issues are relevant us the public, because we should be aware of the way Apple is seeking to turn society into the most profitable version possinle, which isnt always ideal for us, the customer.
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Back to burning books now, are we? What a time to live in.

Apple is all about freedom and consumer protection...

 

[1345873]

...well that's one way you guarantee the book sells well versus just ignoring it.

But sadly, not available in iBooks.. rattle the cage a bit more Time. More money to be made!
Apple supports free press.. fake news..

 

[Villarrealadrian]

Seeding on piratebay...

 

[DeepIn2U]

...well that's one way you guarantee the book sells well versus just ignoring it.

secrets?

 

[omihek]

More like Apple wants to stop its publication because it exposes Apple's "30% Take" nonsense and other scams they pull. Apple is so slimy

Apple's 30% cut is one of the most widely known parts of the developer program. I mean, they announced it with the App Store reveal for crying out loud. Developers literally sign the agreement themselves. Apple does not force anyone to develop apps for their devices! Why do people keep calling the 30% cut a scam?! I suppose no one who's saying that has ever heard of ANY other business deal ever?

 

[Solomani]

Oddly enough, now I want a copy of the book.

"Don't be ridiculous. No one reads books any more." - Steve Jobs