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The "iPhone" Name Fiasco Begins...

REVENGE

By REVENGE

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Aside from Microsoft's entertainment and devices division president Robbie Bach's comments on how the iPhone will face "significant hurdles" in the market, it seems that the iPhone has already run into legal trouble before its official release.

 

As it turns out, the "iPhone" moniker had already been registered by a group named Infogear over a decade ago in 1996. Infogear was acquired in 2000 by the now merged Cisco-Linksys group, which had just recently released their i[nternet]Phone back in December. On Tuesday, Cisco representatives disclosed that they've had many discussions with Apple over the naming issue recently, and that "it is our belief that Apple intends to agree to the final document. We expect to receive a signed agreement today (Tuesday)."

 

Well, Tuesday came and gone with no word from Apple, but things took a turn for the worst yesterday when the Associated Press reported that Cisco has in fact filed a lawsuit against Apple for trademark infringement. In the end, it seems that the negotiations between the two companies failed, and it looks like Cisco has the advantage as they've possessed ownership of the "iPhone" name for over 5 years now.

 

In addition to the bitter legal battle over naming the device that's about to ensue, Apple has also yet to receive FCC approval of its new device. The device must receive approval before it can be sold to anyone. It seems that Apple really must get ready to jump a few hurdles before it can enter the market.

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sandmanfvrga

sandmanfvrga 0

Posted (edited)

Why should Apple change it when others copyright stuff, WAIT till a company gets successful and then put a crappy iPhone out to stop Apple? Apple is the one the made the "iFamily" successful, NOT Cisco or anybody else. Trademark squatting a name to see if a company wants to use it should be illegal. If Apple never did the "iFamily" then Cisco probably would have never used the name.

Edited by sandmanfvrga
macmaniac

macmaniac 0

Posted

Well, if Apple isn't allowed to call it the iphone, they can always call it the MacBerry. :tomato:

Guest goodtime

Guest goodtime

Posted (edited)

Cisco needs to go after not only Apple, but all other iPhone companies that are using the iPhone name. It can't just go after the most obvious rival and say that they are protecting their trademark. They need to pursue everyone who attempts to use the name. It appears that the trademark may have expired. Cisco made an ill attempt at showing its use by putting stickers on their packaging to update the trademark submission. I would not be surprised if the courts award Apple the trademark and Cisco ends up not collecting a dime.

 

Example of who Cisco should be after:

http://iphone.com/

 

gt

Edited by goodtime
Guest goodtime

Guest goodtime

Posted

Exactly, i'm a underdog supporter. I tend to hate large organisations such as Microsoft and Apple is almost there.

 

So I say go Cisco.

 

Isn't Cisco also considered a 'large corporation?'

Guest goodtime

Guest goodtime

Posted (edited)

How about the NeXT-Phone?

 

gt

Edited by goodtime
sandmanfvrga

sandmanfvrga 0

Posted

If Cisco doesn't go after the other phones, then that could be a strategy that Apple can use in court to say they are being singled out.

Mebster

Mebster 1

Posted

Isn't Cisco also considered a 'large corporation?'

Ok, bad choice of words.

 

Cisco's been a large organisation for a while (i think - i'm no Cisco historian) while Apple has more recently become a large organisation mainly due to the success of the iPod. As we all know before that it was close to the brink of extinction. It just seems to me that with Apples new rise to fame their getting a little big headed as if no one can touch them. That's generally what I hate about organisations and it tends to be the case with "large" organisations. Someone needs to teach them a lesson and show everyone has their weaknesses.

Guest goodtime

Guest goodtime

Posted

Cisco could lose their trademark battle using a sticker for their Application for the product that was not released until 7 months later. Their 'Declaration of Use' could be considered defective as they did not have continuous use for iPhone for 5 years.

 

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/01/17/ci...r_threat_in_us/


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