No iPad 3 in China?

Apple reportedly loses the “iPad” trademark in People’s Republic China, now what? No iPad 3 next year in the said country?
Say it again? Apple losing in the trademark battle? Well, that’s true and multiple reports have confirmed that Apple indeed lost a trademark dispute in China. Now, Apple might create or invent a new name in order to sell its tablet in China.
While the internet world is busy reporting the rumors surrounding the iPad 3, its possible features and the possible release date in March or April, a new development off shore might give the tech company a “little” problem.
According to reports, Apple filed two lawsuits against a China-based company named Proview, which in 2001 registered the “iPad” and IPAD” trademark. After 8 years, Proview’s Taiwan subsidiary sold the iPad trademarks to UK company IP Applications, and the company sold the name to Apple for $55,000 in 2010.

However, the Shenzhen Municipal Intermediate People’s Court in China has reportedly decided to stop Apple’s claims, citing that the transfer of the iPad trademarks was not valid.
According to the verdict, Proview’s Taiwanese subsidiary carried the sale of the trademark and not the home company based in China. China’s Proview now acquired the trademarks again for use in China. Apple was also order to pay costs.
For starters, companies must file trademark or register the name of products to protect it from other companies that might copy the name or use a similar name which may confuse the consumers. The iPad’s case is the same, but it looks like the Chinese company was the first to register the words iPad or IPAD, or like the court said, the transfer was invalid.
Apple’s retail strategy is now focusing on China. In fact, Apple’s new CEO Tim Cook told the public during the iPhone 4S launch that the company is planning to open more stores in China after the successful opening of the first Hong Kong Apple Store.
Via National Post.
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