Docker-OSX Repository Removed for Copyright Infringement, GitHub Still Hosts Resources

The Docker-OSX repository was temporarily reviewed on Docker Hub earlier, following a notification from Docker to the project developers that Apple had sent a DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) notice. In the notice, Apple claimed that the project infringed on Apple's copyright and demanded its removal from Docker.

Now, the project developer Sick Codes has updated that Docker has completely removed the Docker-OSX repository in compliance with Apple's DMCA request, rendering users unable to deploy OSX virtual machines through Docker Hub.

Docker-OSX is an open-source project that offers containerized deployments of various versions of OS X and macOS. The user base for this container itself is very small, mainly comprising users who need to test Mac software. After all, Docker-OSX is too sluggish for everyday use.

On GitHub, the Docker-OSX project has 40,000 stars, and the images on Docker Hub have been downloaded 750,000 times. Overall, this project was very popular, and its removal has caused some impact.

What was deleted were the pre-packaged Docker-OSX container images, which users could directly download and install through Docker without needing to download the project source code from GitHub and manually handling the installation. The good news is that, at least for now, Apple has not sent a DMCA notice to GitHub, so Docker-OSX can still be found on GitHub.

Below is the content of the DMCA notice sent by Apple:

Dear Docker Copyright Agent:

I, the undersigned, declare under penalty of perjury:

I am a partner at Kilpatrick, Townsend and Stockton LLP. We handle intellectual property matters for Apple Inc. (“Apple”). I am an authorized agent of Apple to take action against infringements of the United States Copyright Law, particularly under Title 17, Section 501 of the United States Code, commonly known as the Digital Millennium Copyright Act or “DMCA”.

You can contact me at:

Victim's Name: APPLE INC.

Name and Title: MEHRNAZ BOROUMAND SMITH, Partner

Company: KILPATRICK TOWNSEND & STOCKTON LLP

We have noticed that Apple's macOS installers and installed images have been posted on [Docker Hub]. Apple owns exclusive rights to its macOS installers and installations (see macOS Sonoma). Docker-OSX has copied this content without authorization. The unauthorized copying of Apple content constitutes copyright infringement, violating the DMCA.

Therefore, I request Docker to take swift action to remove [Docker-OSX from Docker Hub]. I sincerely believe that posting the macOS installers and installation images at the above URL is illegal under United States Copyright Law, including the DMCA, because, among other things, these images have been copied without Apple’s authorization, thereby infringing Apple's copyrighted images.

I swear, under penalty of perjury, that the information in this notice is accurate, and that I am authorized to act on behalf of the owner of the allegedly infringed proprietary rights.