∞ Palm responds to USB-IF decision favoring Apple

Palm on Wednesday responded to a decision by the USB Implementors Forum that favored Apple in the back-and-forth battle involving the Palm Pre’s ability to sync with iTunes. Palm Pre“We engaged with the USB-IF because we believe consumers should have freedom and choice in how and where they use the non-rights managed media they already own,” Derick Mains, Palm’s director of Corporate Communications, told The Loop. “We are reviewing the letter from the USB-IF and will respond as appropriate.”

It’s ironic that Palm came out on the bottom of the USB-IF’s decision, considering they were the ones that reported Apple to the organization for misuse of its Vendor ID.

To get around Apple blocking the Palm Pre from syncing with iTunes, Palm used Apple’s Vendor ID, a move the USB-IF did not appreciate at all.

“Under the Policy, Palm may only use the single Vendor ID issued to Palm for Palm’s usage,” wrote Traci Donnell, the forum’s executive director, in rendering her decision. “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.”

The USB-IF has given Palm seven days to clarify its intent “and respond to this potential violation.”