Once upon a time, a company named Proview owned the rights to the "iPad" trademark in China. Apple claims that it reached an agreement with Proview in order to use the trademark. Proview claims this isn't the case. While the companies prepare for a lengthy (and likely expensive) legal skirmish, Apple has proactively pulled the iPad 2 from some Chinese retailers, including Amazon. Check out the sordid details below.
According to TechCrunch:
The trademark battle between Chinese tech company Proview and Apple has been heating up in recent months, with the Shenzen-based company asking for import and export bans of the iPad in China. Apple contends that it purchased the Chinese trademark rights to the iPad several years ago in ten different countries, but Proview and its lawyers have deemed that those trademark rights don’t extend into China.
“Proview refuses to honor their agreement with Apple in China and a Hong Kong court has sided with Apple in this matter,” said an Apple spokeswoman.
I can't help but think of the immortal words of Vizzini from The Princess Bride: "Never get involved in a land war in Asia!" The dispute between Apple and Proview is totally the same thing...except with trademarks, naming rights, etc.
The matter should be straightforward. Either Proview licensed or sold the rights to the iPad trademark to Apple or it didn't. Since the iPad business is enormous and legalities in China can be fudged, settling the matter will be anything but simple. It's going to end up being a stupid waste of time and a stupid waste of money for Apple. Depending on Proview's case, it could end up striking gold or running back home with its tail between its legs (and hefty legal fees).
The whole affair irritates me. How about you? What do you make of Apple vs. Proview in China?
[Via: TechCrunch]
