If you’ve listened to the radio, glanced at a pop-up ad or checked your spam folder, you’ve no doubt been subjected to highly questionable ads that guarantee you “free” iPods or iPads if you do a whole lot of fine print stuff, and more. Apple is fed up with being associated with such offers, and is attempting to shut them down.

CNNMoney reports Apple has laid out guidelines involving giveaways of its products, including the following edicts:

*iPad, iPhone and the iPhone Gift Card may not be used in third-party promotions.

*iPod touch is only allowed to be used in special circumstances and requires a minimum purchase of 250 units.

*You may NOT 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 (headlines, call- outs, etc.) is prohibited.

*You must submit all marketing materials related to the promotion of Apple products to Apple for review.

The story says the policies have been in place since January at the latest, but the company has only recently tried to enforce them.

If you’ve ever participated in these so-called giveaways, how did things work out for you?

Apple tries to put the kibosh on iPad and iPhone giveaways [CNNMoney via Slashdot]

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