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Trademark Battle Continues

Apple Inc. has been using the prefix ?i? for its product names for years now, but it might turn out to be that it chose it for a mobile phone cum music player, the ?iPhone?, a little too late. Cisco Systems Inc. has filed a lawsuit in a San Francisco federal court against the company that may keep it from using the name for its product, as it has been doing since introducing it on the market. Even if the lawsuit does not succeed in keeping Apple from using the name, it has certainly hurt it in negative press. This after the industry was highly expectant of the hyped gadget from the company that creates hype better than any other.

The companies both wish to reach a settlement, this according to statements made by them. The deadline however is nearing. Apple has until late this week to respond to the lawsuit. The settlement which Cisco is interested in is having both companies able to keep the name, only on condition that the mobile devices will be able to communicate between them. Apple?s claim that it is entitled to keep the name exactly because the devices operate using different networks.

Cisco, the world`s largest networking equipment maker, introduced its iPhone, a Voice Over Internet Protocol technology operated mobile phone last spring. Apple?s device uses cellular technology. In a matter of days we will learn what the court has to say on the matter, using not VoIP nor cellular, but legal language.