Skype says Fring violated its Terms of Use, 'damaging our brand and reputation' in the process
By Joseph L. Flatley 
posted July 12th 2010 3:29PM
posted July 12th 2010 3:29PM
It looks like Fring's recent decision to block Skype access to its iPhone 4 video app was the final straw for Skype, who charges that VoIP network was in breach of the Terms of Use and EULA for the Skype API. "Over time," writes General Counsel Robert Miller, "Fring's mis-use of our software was increasingly damaging our brand and reputation with our customers." Although they've "been talking with Fring for some time to try to resolve this amicably," Friday's action is being called "disappointing [for] our customers, who have high expectations of the Skype experience." He goes on to say that "Skype will rigorously protect our brand and reputation, and those developers that do not comply with our terms will be subject to legal enforcement." Meaning, presumably, that in the case of more Fring shenanigans there will be some sort of red-hot legal action. For its part, Fring CEO Avi Shechter had this to say: "We are disappointed that Skype, who once championed the cause of openness, is now attempting to muzzle competition, even to the detriment of its own users." Which is all well and good, but we can hardly see how Skype is the problem here when you were the ones who locked out its users in the first place.
Skype's do not need an external company to damage their brand.
They can do that fine on their own.
C.
Skype sour grapes since fring beat them to iOS 4. Skype you look even worse npw... PR morons.
BTW it was skype that blocked fring, not the other way around.
One more comment because this just annoys me.
Engaget has the story all wrong. Here is the break down.
1) Skype still doesn't have an iOS4 version. No multitasking, no video calling. Even though they demoed it two months ago, and people were expecting it, it's still not here.
2) People on the Skype blog writing annoyed comments, skype ignoring said comments.
3) Fring suddenly updates their app for iOS4, including video calling.
4) Skype gets pissed, threatens legal action.
5) Fring pulls skype support.
In other words, Skype threatened Fring because people started using it instead of skype since people are sick and tired of waiting for skype iOS4. Thus the comment about stifling innovation. All Fring did was open up a feature people have been waiting for, and skype killed it because their moron developers can't get their asses in gear.
In other words, it's skype that did all this, NOT fring.
Here's an email from Fring I got today.
Hello fringsters,
As you may have noticed, Skype has blocked fring. We are very sorry for any convenience this Skype policy has unfairly caused you.
As loyal fring users, you deserve an explanation: Last week, following the surge in fring video calling traffic, fring service to Skype was temporarily reduced . Unfortunately, Skype and their legal team demanded not to restore your connectivity to Skype via fring.
Needless to say, we are very disappointed that Skype is now trying to muzzle competition, even at the expense of its own users.
While we regret Skype's decision to block fring, we are committed to continuing to provide you with market-leading innovation, to keep you in touch with your friends, wherever they are.
On fring you can freely use the best mobile over internet communication like video calling, calls and chat anywhere (3G/4G/WiFi) on any advanced Smartphone.
So, if you are frustrated like us with communication barriers, and are just looking for a fun and easy way to stay in touch with your friends on the go, tell them about fring and
invite your friends to join fring here
We appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to provide you with great mobile innovations.
Let freedom fring!
the fringTEAM.