macinpc.com, reselling someone else's work?

Hey,

I've been on and off these boards for a few years now, but I wanted to bring a site to the attention of the community if you all haven't commented on it already. I've looked up the URL in the forums without success so I wanted to bring it to someone's attention if it hasn't been already.

The site www.macinpc.com (found through google ads) sells mac to windows desktop transformation software. I haven't downloaded or purchased the program yet (they sell it for 9.99), but it appears that it could be a rip off of some of the software here. I'm considering buying the software to verify whether this is the case, but I'm poor right now since I have to start paying for law school.

If the rights holder is selling the software they offer or permitting someone to resell it, then thats one thing. However if a third party without permission is selling the flyakite desktop then thats not cool at all. I did send the company some questions and will post their reply. But this warrants further investigation in my opinion if there is some nefarious activity going on.

-psikadelik

#296608

That does look dodgy :confused: - can anyone tell from the tiny screenshot?

#296609

That does look dodgy :confused: - can anyone tell from the tiny screenshot?

Thanks for looking. After some digging, here is their domain information.

Domain name: MACINPC.com

Registrant Contact:

WhoisGuard

WhoisGuard Protected (05e8a35bd7e547c8a4534f90afd84464.protect@whoisguard.com)

+1.6613102107

Fax: +1.6613102107

8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd

Westchester, CA 90045

Administrative Contact:

WhoisGuard

WhoisGuard Protected (05e8a35bd7e547c8a4534f90afd84464.protect@whoisguard.com)

+1.6613102107

Fax: +1.6613102107

8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd

Westchester, CA 90045

Technical Contact:

WhoisGuard

WhoisGuard Protected (05e8a35bd7e547c8a4534f90afd84464.protect@whoisguard.com)

+1.6613102107

Fax: +1.6613102107

8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd

Westchester, CA 90045

Billing Contact:

WhoisGuard

WhoisGuard Protected (05e8a35bd7e547c8a4534f90afd84464.protect@whoisguard.com)

+1.6613102107

Fax: +1.6613102107

8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd

Westchester, CA 90045

Someone doesn't want to be found if you ask me....

#296610

The dock does look a lot like yz... opps, "the-dock-that-shall-not-be-named"... or aq... "the-other-dock-that-shall-not-be-named"... I think those minimised windows on the left side are probably rklauncher...

but then again, it could just be a true blue osx screenie... couldn't tell a horse from a cow in that pic...

#296614

Those look a lot like Kurt871's infamous screenshots...

-NC

#296620

and the iChat and iTunes program... the only way i know to make as real as posible on XP is with trillian and the multi plugin, but then that means that they are selling the Danimators iChat skin??? and the multiplug-in???

now this is sad :/

#296624

it also has konafaubler in that package too i guess. also uses world of aqua3 icon folders. what a ripoff! sue sue sue!

#296626

They're nothing but a bunch of crooks... the WHO IS info is hidden.

WhoisGuard is a service that hides the real data.

Also, if you look on there site, Mac Emulator v6.4 is really Basilisk II and HFV Explorer.

They say they are based in the U.K.

15 LAW
The Conditions will be exclusively governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of United Kingdom whose Courts will have exclusive jurisdiction in any dispute, save that we have the right, at our sole discretion, to commence and pursue proceedings in alternative jurisdictions.

#296630

>_< - Any ideas on how to get this guys? (no, im not talking leet haxoring)

#296631

so does that mean that they have the "right" to sell others work? or they created their own work and are able to distribute this app at all?

hmmm i dont get it at all ^^

#296634

Of course not - that is just copy paste from a legal form...

#296635

The whole Terms and Conditions page is from a template. Ya know "Insert Company Name Here" type document.

They are assuming that since it looks legit and sounds legit, nobody will question it.

But first one must determine where they are really located.

Also, they appear to be reselling Apple Software. One must be an authorized dealer to resell Apple products.

I'm sure Apple would love to know that they are selling Apple Remote Desktop 2.2 Client (Unlimited Pack) for $99.

Yet Apple is still selling it for $499 at Apple.com. Last time I checked, you can only resell Apple software products within +/- $10 difference of Apples advertised price.

And Apple DVD Studio 4 is still $499 on Apples site, the upgrade is $199. Macinpc is selling it for $99 as well.

I sense a letter from some attorney's office arriving soon.

#296640

so does that mean that they have the "right" to sell others work? or they created their own work and are able to distribute this app at all?
hmmm i dont get it at all ^^

I think it would be important to get a copy of the software first before making any serious accusations or sending letters from the rightsholder to the company. Of course it sure looks like it is repackaging someone else's software. I'd bet that it is. Hence why they are trying to cover their tracks. That sure is low if you ask me.

Their legal agreement is a cut and paste job also. Others have helped confirmed that. I'll keep looking at the site for anything fishy. I sent them an email but they haven't responded yet. I hope they do.

#296641

Our revolutionary Software System will convert your existing PC into an Apple Mac Desktop in less than 10 minutes!

Haha, yes it looks so much like a Mac.

By the way, if you want to sort these guys, the best thing you can do is tip Apple and they'll sort everything for you

#296651

Email has been sent to Apple legal.

Let's see what they will do.

#296655

Email has been sent to Apple legal.
Let's see what they will do.

Here is my letter:

Hello. My name is XXX. I am contacting your legal department to bring your attention to a website that profits from apple software and copyrighted materials. Please turn your attention to the website

www.macinpc.com.

This site happens to sell a Windows to OS X desktop converter (by converting the shell). Additionally they sell Apple Remote Desktop 2.2 client and Apple DVD studio at prices significantly lower than what Apple sells them for, and are likely illegal copies. Please take any appropriate legal action against this organization. If you need any information from me I would be glad to contribute. As a fan of Apple products, I hope you shut down this site and hold those people exploiting the work of your company accountable.

#296659

@psikadelik00

You need to keep letters like this relavant and to the point.

Give specific examples where possible, but leave personal feelings out.

Your last three sentences make you sound like a competitor of macinpc wanting to shut them down for personal reasons.

Here is what I sent Apple.

To whom it may concern,
I have recently come accross a web site (www.macinpc.com) that was selling Apple software for a considerable discount.
Example, Apple is currently selling DVD Studio Pro 4 for $499 or $199 for an upgrade version at Apple.com.
The site in question is selling the same product for $99.95.
Here is the link in question.
http://www.macinpc.com/estore/view_product...duct=DVD_Studio
They are also selling Apple Remote Desktop 2.2 Client (Unlimited Pack), for $99.95 as well.
http://www.macinpc.com/estore/view_product...t=remotedesktop
I find this very suspicious as I know Apple has a pretty stringent pricing policy for it's resellers.
Thank you

SImilar emails have been sent to Acute Systems regarding CrossFont (btw.. Acute also makes TransMac) and to Quark as well.

#296661

This sucks really.... and the screenshot is pretty small, but enough to question the originality of their so called " Our revolutionary Software System will convert your existing PC into an Apple Mac Desktop in less than 10 minutes!" thing !!

Hopefully apple takes this matter seriously. I mean I've seen friggin piracy, but this is the height.. selling it over the website openly (well not so openely, since they are trying to cover their track in WHOIS info.. lol).

#296678

bring them down! whoever made that site needs to be punished...selling mac emulation software openly is the lowest of the low when it comes to modding...anyone received anything from apple yet on the matter (i don't expect anything though)

#296695

Very interesting!

For a bigger screenshot you might look at http://216.239.59.104/search?q=cache:bowhC...xp+to+osx&hl=de

(excuse my posting such a long URL)

what a coincidence ? :

#296697

This kind of people is the lowest of the low.

I`m going to post about this on GFXO since they are the best "law team" in the customizing community.

May i ask kiddies to keep out of this? We need to handle this as adults and professionals.

#296698

OK... well after a few quick searches, they are hosted out of Dallas, TX.

macinpc.com (69.93.199.2)

Name: Pathos, Peter
Handle: PP46-ARIN
Company: The Planet Internet Services, Inc.
Address: 1333 Stemmons Freeway - Suite 110
City: Dallas
StateProv: TX
PostalCode: 75207
Country: US
Comment:
RegDate:
Updated: 2002-12-13
Phone: +1-214-782-7800 (Office)
Email: *****@theplanet.com

The DNS record is owned by... oh look... more bogus info.

The real info is blocked by the registrar.

http://www.dnsstuff.com/info/geolocation.htm

Location: United States [City: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan]
Looking up 69.93.199.2 at rwhois.theplanet.com:4321.
%rwhois V-1.5:003eff:00 rwhois.theplanet.com (by Network Solutions, Inc. V-1.5.9)
network:Class-Name:network
network:ID:THEPLANET-BLK-9
network:Auth-Area:69.93.0.0/16
network:Network-Name:TPIS-BLK-69-93-199-0
network:IP-Network:69.93.199.0/28
network:IP-Network-Block:69.93.199.0 - 69.93.199.15
network:Organization-Name:Aliaksandr Kuzko
network:Organization-City:Panama
network:Organization-State:Panama
network:Organization-Zip:NA
network:Organization-Country:Panama
network:Description-Usage:customer
network:Server-Pri:ns1.theplanet.com
network:Server-Sec:ns2.theplanet.com
****************************@theplanet.com
*****************************@theplanet.com
network:Created:20040221
network:Updated:20041021

Looks like the DNS record is only a month or so old.

Domain Name: MACINPC.COM
Registrar: ENOM, INC.
Whois Server: whois.enom.com
Referral URL: http://www.enom.com
Name Server: NS1.TERRABAGE.COM
Name Server: NS2.TERRABAGE.COM
Status: REGISTRAR-LOCK
Updated Date: 06-may-2005
Creation Date: 04-may-2005
Expiration Date: 04-may-2006

#296704

wow this is f----- up

i know people work hard and shhh...then you have people that take advantage of the internet

i hope they pay for it sad this can drive people off creating stuff for free

get them-get em boyz

#296730

I have an update and some additional information on the macinpc.com website. I tried to buy some software and then checkout. Eventually I was taken to a paypal screen. The group that I was directed to pay with paypal was called "peri software". I will be looking them up for any possible information that I can find. If I do find anything, I will continue to update.

From what I have seen, this apparently is not www.perisoftware.com. I will continue to investigate the name and post any applicable information that I find.

#296747

i thought i had seen that screenie before.... dang...

#296749