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Apple Could Lose $1.6 Billion In iPad Lawsuit

Posted by Soulskill on from the or-could-stall-in-court-indefinitely dept.

redletterdave writes "Proview Technology, which currently uses the 'iPad' name on several of its products including computer monitors, stands to win up to $1.6 billion and an apology from Apple for allegedly infringing upon Proview's trademarked name to use on its bestselling tablet. Proview International, which owns subsidiaries Proview Technology in Shenzhen and Proview Electronics in Taiwan, originally registered the name 'iPad' in Taiwan in 2000 and mainland China in 2001. Proview eventually sued Apple in 2011, and even though the Cupertino-based company retaliated with a counter-suit of its own, Apple lost the case in local Chinese courts. Depending on the court's findings, Apple could be fined anywhere from $38 million to the $1.6 billion that Proview is seeking. In addition to the money, Proview also wants Apple to apologize. 'We have prepared well for a long-term legal battle,' said one of Proview's lawyers."

5 of 286 comments (clear)

  1. And Apple's Worried? by eagle1361 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Not that $1.6 billion would hurt them much, but all they'd have to do is threaten to stop selling the iPad in China. At that point, the government will just make Proview go away.

    1. Re:And Apple's Worried? by Whatanut · · Score: 5, Interesting

      Actually, I would assume they did do a trademark search. They found that this company owned the trademark and bought it from them. However, this company claims that they didn't sell the trademarks for China and Taiwan. Just everywhere else.

      Fine print...

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      yvan eht nioj
    2. Re:And Apple's Worried? by dimeglio · · Score: 4, Interesting

      That might be true. I think Apple tries its best to avoid or settle trademark disputes but it's impossible to know about all of the products. What's funny in this case is the suit is originating from a country where knock-off products are common place and culturally entrenched. Even the Apple Store was copied. It's kinda ironic.

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      Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the author.
  2. Re:Good by compro01 · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Let Apple taste some of their medicine.

    We're going to need to increase the dosage dramatically if we want them to start paying attention.

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    upon the advice of my lawyer, i have no sig at this time
  3. ROC vrs PRC by ZombieBraintrust · · Score: 5, Interesting

    There are two companies. They paid for use of the trademark from one based out of Tiawan. The Chinese arm of the company is filing the lawsuit. Not sure witch is the parent company. I would assume the Tiawan based one since that is who Apple paid. China does not reconize Tiawan as a seperate country. So there may be some politics involved in this dispute.