"Psystar denies that said activities are unlawful and improper," the company said in its Dec. 16 response to allegations made earlier by Apple. "Psystar likewise denies the suggestion that there exists a concerted effort to commit infringement of Apple's intellectual property rights, to breach or induce the breach of Apple's otherwise unenforceable license agreements, and to violate state and common law unfair competition laws."

The Florida-based computer seller, which is embroiled in a lawsuit with Apple over its installation of on -based machines, was reacting to charges made last month by Apple, when the California computer and consumer electronics maker alleged that Psystar was not acting alone.

Then, Apple accused 10 additional individuals or companies of colluding with Psystar, but did not name names. "Persons other than Psystar are involved in Psystar's unlawful and improper activities described in this amended complaint," Apple charged in a late November filing with Judge William Alsup. "The true names or capacities, whether individual, corporate or otherwise, of these persons are unknown to Apple. Consequently they are referred to herein as John Does 1 through 10."

Apple said at the time that it would reveal the John Does' names when it uncovered them.

Reports in the as well as on Apple-centric sites, seized on Apple's claims, with some speculating that Psystar was just the bigger and better-funded rivals of Apple.