Apple faces raft of trademark disputes in China
21 Feb 2012
Apple Inc is facing several trademark disputes in China including one over the name of the iPad. Not less than 39 Chinese companies and individuals have attempted to register the names iPhone or iPad as trademarks for all kinds of products including hiking shoes, veterinary drugs and diapers, the China Daily newspaper reported.
According to the newspaper, six manufacturers, including a flashlight manufacturer, had received preliminary approval before their applications were challenged.
Cai Zhiyong, whose company is based in east China's Zhejiang province, said he applied for registration of iPhone as a trademark for his lamps and flashlights in 2010, but had been asked recently to provide supporting evidence in the final disclosure stage.
Xu Jie, a lawyer representing Cai's company said Apple objected to their application on the last day of the three-month disclosure that started in June 2011.
According to Apple, Cai's firm had infringed upon its trademark and needed to therefore withdraw the application.
Xu said the debate centred on whether iPhone had gained certified status as a 'famous brand' under protection from China's law of trademarks.
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