Apple loses ‘iPad’ trademark in China

[IndoCarib]

Apple prides itself on its brand value. But in China, the technology giant may be forced to sell their iPad tablets under a new moniker.

The world’s largest technology company lost an ongoing court battle to use their iPad trademark, after claiming that a Chinese company was infringing on the name with their own product.

The patent court in Shenzen, China ruled in favour of Proview Technology, who had previously trademarked the name ‘iPad’ in 2000.

Proview sued Apple for 10 billion yuan ($1.6 billion) in October for copyright infringement; likely spurred by its 400 million yuan ($64 million) debt.

Apple had purchased rights to the trademark from Proview’s global parent company last year. But the Chinese judiciary clearly did not share the same sentiments.

It has been suggested that Chinese patent law is deliberately designed to favour Chinese based companies, in efforts to proect Chinese intellectual property. This has resulted in Chinese versions of Western brands being protected by patent law, such as Weibo in place of Twitter, and Baidu in place of Google.

China is currently the world’s largest smartphone market, after overtaking the U.S. earlier this year.

For Apple, not being able to use one of its universally synonymous brand names will be an unfortunate blow to the company.

Apple did not comment on the ruling.

One question Apple faces is whether it will buy the rights from Proview once more? Or, if the case is upheld, will Apple choose to market the iPad under a different name?

Apple loses ‘iPad’ trademark in China | ZDNet

 

[FairAndUnbiased]

Apple can afford 1.6 billion. No exception for Western multinationals!

Another victory for the rule of law in China!

 

[IndoCarib]

Apple can afford 1.6 billion. No exception for Western multinationals!

Another victory for the rule of law in China!

Didnt you read this ?

'Apple had purchased rights to the trademark from Proview’s global parent company last year. But the Chinese judiciary clearly did not share the same sentiments.'

 

[FairAndUnbiased]

Didnt you read this ?

'Apple had purchased rights to the trademark from Proview’s global parent company last year. But the Chinese judiciary clearly did not share the same sentiments.'

It may have been an illegal purchase or involved bribes. You do not know the details of the case, nor do I. In this case, the default position is to accept the judgment.

if Apple does not, then we should ban it from China and confiscate all its assets.

 

[IndoCarib]

Apple may have to buy the rights again. And again Chinese company may sue Apple !

 

[FairAndUnbiased]

Apple may have to buy the rights again. And again Chinese company may sue Apple !

There should be an announcement of the purchase, as well as a record.

 

[hawx]

It has been suggested that Chinese patent law is deliberately designed to favour Chinese based companies, in efforts to proect Chinese intellectual property. This has resulted in Chinese versions of Western brands being protected by patent law

In short the so called rule of law means "steal whatever you want we got your back".

 

[FairAndUnbiased]

In short the so called rule of law means "steal whatever you want we got your back".

keep up the payments to the white master then

we don't mind if you pay, increase currency exchange and make our iron ore cheaper, you might though.

 

[humanfirst]

Another victory for the rule of law in China!

We can see blatant copyright infringements by chinese companies in almost every electronic products and even automobiles.Why is the "rule of law"in china permitting that?

 

[kawaraj]

In short the so called rule of law means "steal whatever you want we got your back".

you should be reported as a troll, a typical one.

anyway, apple need to provide the sales number in these years to give a accurate number of compensation, should be a specific number, royalty or license fee.

 

[FairAndUnbiased]

We can see blatant copyright infringements by chinese companies in almost every electronic products and even automobiles.Why is the "rule of law"in china permitting that?

Because you don't know what a copyright infringement is.

 

[Jun]

Fake and inferior products being destroyed in 180 cities across China

Fake and inferior products being destroyed in 180 cities across China_IPR in China

 

[Nomenclature]

It has been suggested that Chinese patent law is deliberately designed to favour Chinese based companies, in efforts to proect Chinese intellectual property. This has resulted in Chinese versions of Western brands being protected by patent law, such as Weibo in place of Twitter, and Baidu in place of Google.

Does this author even know the difference between patents and trademarks?

 

[oct605032048]

What the fuss?
Lenovo used "Legend" as its trademark in China, but to win the world market it has to change to "lenovo".
Why is it so hard for someone (from India) to understand this? Because Apple is another example of "American exceptionalism"?

 

[ashokdeiva]

if the Chinese company has already registered this trade mark in 2000, then there is no point in Apple arguing, either they have to pay the company or rename their product.
I hope they have good number of intelects who can come up with some name that is inovative.