Just as Apple forked over US$60 million to use the iPad moniker in China, a household chemical company called Jiangsu Xuebao filed a lawsuit over the use of âSnow Leopardâ. Or rather, the use of âxuebaoâ (éȘè±č), which is Chinese of âsnow leopardâ.
Back in 2000, Jiangsu Xuebao filed a trademark for the use of âxuebaoâ, or âsnow leopardâ, in electrical equipment. The company is contesting that Mac OS X Snow Leopard infringes on the use of âxuebaoâ.
According to a Chinese legal expert, Jiangsu Xuebao is unlikely to win the case, because Apple does not use the Chinese âxuebaoâ in marketing Snow Leopard. However, Jiangsu Xuebao stated that Apple tried to register âxuebaoâ back in 2008, but couldnât because of the pre-existing trademark.
A Shanghai court is slated to hear Jiangsu Xuebaoâs suit later this month. The company is seeking around US$80,000 in damages and an apology from Apple. The irony? Check out Jiangsu Xuebaoâs products. Many look familiar
èčæćŹäșéȘè±čäžćŁïŒ [DSQQ via MIC]
