Apple’s launch strategy for new products is an interesting phenomenon. While the details are always jealously guarded so Jobs’ “one more thing” can have the maximum impact on stage, this does leave the Cupertino-based gadget giant open for other legal ramifications down the road. Case in point – the iCloud trademark, which Jobs and Co. have just been sued over.
Cast your mind back to the iPad announcement. Before the event, nobody knew the name of the to-be-announced tablet. Although iPad was the front runner due to its similarities to “iPod”, iSlate and iTablet were both being tossed around too. Once the announcement was made, Fujitsu quietly raised a hand and pointed out that they owned the trademark to the term iPad for one of their point of sale terminals.
The ensuing legal tussle was settled quickly, presumably with Apple paying Fujitsu a healthy sum of money to be allowed permission to use the iPad name unhindered.
This time around things are a little different. Although the iCloud name was known ahead of time – both because Apple bought the domain name and pre-announced the WWDC keynote topics – Apple are still facing a legal battle after trampling over another companies’ trademark.
The company in question, iCloud Communications, may have a decent case as they claim to offer services that are “identical or closely related” to the services Apple is offering through their new product. iCloud (the company) go on in their complaint, stating Apple have used the weight of their global brand to squeeze the small Arizona-based company off the iCloud map.
iCloud Communications are claiming for unspecified damages, and are demanding Apple “deliver for destruction all labels, signs, prints, insignia, letterhead, brochures, business cards, invoices and any other written or recorded material”.
The claim will undoubtedly be settled out of court, most likely with a hefty sum of money leaving Apple’s bank account. Perhaps one of these days Apple will learn to do their homework before Jobs gets on stage?
Apple attracts trademark suit with iCloud moniker
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