Apple, journalists' favourite computer maker, has sued a news website claiming that a number of scoops revealing product launch plans constituted industrial espionage.

The lawsuit, filed against Think Secret, the IT industry news site, is one of a string of similar actions launched by Apple in an attempt to stop a flow of sensitive information being circulated.

"Apple has filed a civil complaint against the owner of ThinkSecret.com and unnamed individuals who we believe stole Apple's trade secrets," the company said.

"We believe that Think Secret solicited information about unreleased Apple products from these individuals."

Apple's decision to embark on legal action for the alleged theft of its trade secrets, rather than taking action for libel or misreporting, is also significant since it strongly suggests that the reports of Apple's launch of a cut-price, £260 display-free PC aimed at iPod users is accurate. The official product launch is expected in San Francisco next week.

Apple said that details contained in that report, and in a second story about a new software package, could only have been obtained by someone who had signed a confidentiality agreement with the company.

Since the report first appeared, two investment banks have issued reports on Apple's prospects, and the company's shares have risen 5 per cent to $64.55.

Supporting the cloak-and-dagger feeling of the episode, the confidential details revealed are thought to include code names as well as technological specifications and release dates.

The writ also recalls an incident in 2000 when Apple used legal action to uncover a mole who reported details of products to the media using the pseudonym "worker bee".

In a statement, Think Secret's publisher, who goes under the pseudonym Nick dePlume, said the site believed it was within its rights to publish the material. "We're confident that Think Secret's reporting is consistent with the right and privileges granted by the First Amendment," he said.

However, Apple, for whom media sector companies constitute a hugely important market, rejected claims that it is seeking to stifle legitimate freedom of speech.

"These constitutionally protected freedoms ... do not extend to defendants' unlawful practice of misappropriating and disseminating trade secrets acquired through the deliberate violation of known duties of confidentiality," the company said.

Apple has increased its media presence in recent years, launching a series of high-profile campaigns to publicise flagship products. For the launch of the iTunes music website in Europe, Apple flew in the singer Alicia Keys to woo an invited assembly of reporters.

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