Fruity cargo-cult Apple is starting to tell people off for running competitions which give away free Apple gear.

Apple has always specified that people should not give away free iPads, iPods or iPhones and a two-page document that lists these guidelines has been around at least since January. However now it seems that the lawyers from Apple are starting to get snarky with people who run these competitions.

What is being broken are Apple's Guidelines for Third Party Promotions. Apple claims that since its brand is one of its most valuable properties, it has laid out some pretty strict rules about what it thinks you can and can't do with its products.

In short it does not like the word “free” or “giveaway” being associated with its products. The first think that it wants people to think is “expensive” and since you can't have an expensive giveaway competition, it is best not to do it at all.

The rules state that the iPad, iPhone and the iPhone Gift Card may not be used in third-party promotions. The iPod touch is only allowed to be used in special circumstances and requires a minimum purchase of 250 units.

You are not allowed to use the Myriad Set font on or in connection with web sites, products, packaging, manuals, or promotional/advertising materials. The use of "free" as a modifier in any Apple product reference in a prominent manner is prohibited. If you want to market anything Applish you have to submit it to Apple first.