Apple has booted headphone maker Monster out of its official Made for iPhone (MFi) initiative over a bitter legal row with its Beats division.
The Wall Street Journal brings word from Monster itself, with legal representatives for the firm claiming it has now been barred from creating iOS accessories carrying the prestigious MFi stamp of approval.
The fall out comes after Monster filed a lawsuit against Apple-owned Beats back in January, claiming it had not been fairly compensated for its role in creating original Beats hardware, and subsequent models like the Monster Beats Solo HD headphones.
According to the Journal, Apple lawyer Noreen Krall told Monster counterpart David Tognotti the partnership was being curtailed on the grounds it was no longer “mutually beneficial” as the lawsuit would “destroy the working relationship” between the two companies.
The license was revoked on May 5 and Monster will have until September to sell off existing stock. It is not permitted to make new accessories under the program.
Read more: Beats Solo 2 review
MFi entitles third-party companies to produce “components, tools, documentation, technical support, and certification logos needed to create AirPlay audio accessories and electronic accessories that connect to iPod, iPhone, and iPad.”
The revoking of Monster’s license could be a blow to the company given MFi products tend to carry a little more prestige than other third-party accessories.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
