The software, known as Fairplay, controls the type of music that
can be played on the iPod, and to date Apple has been zealous in
keeping it secret – effectively restricting the downloaded music
playable on the device to that which can be purchased from Apple's
iTunes.
A number of on-line digital music retailers have asked Apple for
a licence to the technology, so that their music can be played on
the iPod, but so far Apple has refused, according to reports.
According to Apple's most recent quarterly filing with the US
Securities and Exchange Commission, Virgin made the complaint on
28th June, and is seeking "Interim Measures", pending the merits of
the case being decided.
A hearing is not expected until October or November.
News of the complaint comes shortly after digital music company
RealNetworks revealed that it had created software that would allow
consumers to transfer downloaded music to every popular music
device – including the iPod.
Apple and Virgin have made no comment on the complaint as
yet.
