Chinaâs Proview is taking Apple to court over the iPad moniker. While that looks to be one of Appleâs biggest legal headaches in China, itâs not its only one: Chinese companies are using patent law right and left to create a whole host of iPhone and iPad products.
https://lastchance.cc/this-is-chinas-ipad-the-one-apple-is-getting-sued-over-5885932%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
These products could ultimately dilute the iPad brand in the Mainland and confuse consumers.
According to China Daily, 39 Chinese companies have tried to register âiPhoneâ and âiPadâ trademarks in categories Apple has not. Six of these companies even got preliminary approval.
âApple objected to our application on the last day of the three-month disclosure,â said Xu Jie, a lawyer representing flashlight manufacturer Cai Zhiyong. The company is attempting to register the iPhone trademark for flashlights and wants âto share the benefits of iPhoneâs fame.â
Another company, a belt and hiking shoe company, also received preliminary approval for iPhone trademark use. The application is now being disputed and pending final approval. A company that makes concrete and floorboards is attempting to secure the iPad trademark for its industry.
Apple failed to register trademarks in all of the countryâs 45 commercial categoriesâa practice other international companies follow. Apple registered the iPhone in 14 categories, and the iPad in only nine.
Donât blame these Chinese companies for tryingâblame Apple for not covering itself.
Experts say Apple has trademark weakness [China Daily]
(Top photo: AP)
