Customs seize mailed Macs

Press, 11 October 1988, Page 27

Customs seize mailed Macs

PA Wellington Apple computer distributor, CED, has slapped an impounding order on all Apple computers coming into New Zealand other than through official channels.

The managing director, Mr Mai Thompson, said the customs seizure had been in place for a month and some computers had already been seized, though he would not say how many.

Mr Thompson would not say whether only one importer was involved, but he did say the computers were coming into New Zealand as direct mail orders.

Mr Thompson is acting on legal advice which says computers entering the country other than through the official distri-

butor infringe copyright. The copyright is put on the product by the manufacturer and licensed to distributors around the world. That licence acts like “sovereignty” over local territory. The customs seisure has been prompted by the activities of an American direct mail order company, International Computer Sales.

ICS first advertised in New Zealand early this year, saying it would source Macintosh computers from the United States at prices up to 25 to 35 per cent cheaper than locally-bought computers. The prices included shipment from the United States warehouse to the buyer. Advertisements said service warranties were

available. Potential buyers were given an international facsimile number but no New Zealand contact number. CED sent the advertisement to Apple’s legal experts in the United States.

ICS reacted. President Frank Lisciandro, speaking from Santa Barbara in California, said ICS was a legitimate third-party reseller. He considered New Zealanders might at first be sceptical about the cheap prices. “From our side of the Pacific, we view New Zealand Macintosh prices as too high and we welcome buyers to experience the pleasures and the potential of owning a Macintosh computer purchased at a reasonable price,” he said.