iPhone trade mark snapped up by Apple

After a squabble with Cisco Systems for the coveted 'iPhone' trade mark, it appears that Apple now owns the trade mark in the US. Of course, no such luck yet with the iPad trade mark.

No problems for Apple in Australia, with the iPhone (with the Apple 'apple') trade mark accepted by IP Australia on the 26 May 2008.



The iPad trade mark looks like it is going to be a little more contentious. A US company, IP Application Development LLC have applied for the trade mark IPAD for amongst other things tablet computers, electronic handheld devices (although there is some suspicion that this company is somehow related to Apple). Apple own the IPAD trade mark, but only for class 9 and in relation to 'electronic information display terminals including electronic information kiosks and public access display apparatuses'.

Trademark issues for Apple: Fujitsu fight for iPad

It appears that it is not all smooth sailing with the 27 January 2010 introduction of the iPad to the world. In the US, Fujitsu is claiming that they deserve the trademark for the iPad. Fujitsu manufacture a multifunctional device called the iPad. Fujitsu's application for the contentious name was stalled, then abandoned in 2009, however was revived in June 2009. Apple has until the 28 February 2010 to announce whether it will oppose the Fujitsu's application.

Apple faced a similar situation with the iPhone trademark, with Cisco Systems owning the iPhone trademark, which was eventually settled.