Apple Loses iPad Trademark Suit in China

The latest move in an extended lawsuit over the iPad name, Apple has lost a case against a Chinese technology company that the tablet maker claimed infringed on its iPad trademark. 

The Intermediate People’s Court in the southern town of Shenzen rejected Apple’s lawsuit against Proview Technology, after Proview was said to have lawfully registered the iPad trademark as long ago as 2000 for products ranging in various countries, including China. 

The right to use the iPad name in China is crucial for Apple, as the company is in the process of opening more stores. The Cupertino company also must constantly battle counterfeiters in the region, of which Apple executives have said they have merely scratched the surface in terms of sales in China. Fake Apple stores were discovered in southwestern Yunnan province earlier this year, contributing to more roadblocks for Apple. 

Reportedly, Proview is also taking legal action, seeking 10 billion yuan — $1.5 billion – in compensation from Apple for copyright infringement. 

Source: Reuters