Apple could face a legal battle with Fujitsu over the iPad brand, as the Japanese firm has been making a device with that name for several years.
According to the Financial Times, Fujitsu has been making a handheld computer called the iPad since 2002 and currently has an outstanding trademark application for the name. Fujitsu’s gadget is, however, not a consumer device but allows shop assistants to access data on stock.
“[The company] is aware of Apple’s iPad announcement and the possible infringement on our trademark ... We are currently discussing our options with our trademark counsel and have no further comment at this time,” Fujitsu told the FT.
Fujitsu’s initial application with the US Patent and Trademark Office – made in March 2003 – was suspended due to an even earlier filing by another company. Fujitsu’s application was re-filed in June last year and is currently outstanding.
Apple applied to trademark the iPad name in Trinidad & Tobago in July 2009 and filed several requests with the Patent and Trademark Office last year for more time to oppose Fujitsu’s application. Apple now has until February 28 to say whether it will oppose it.
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