Microsoft seeks to block Apple 'App Store' trademark - GoFuckYourself.com

DVTimes · 01-12-2011, 11:50 AM

Microsoft has said that it has asked US officials to block Apple's attempt to trademark the words "App Store".

Apple submitted an application for the phrase - used for its iPhone, iPad and Macintosh download services - in 2008.

But Microsoft has now told BBC News that it has asked the US Patent and Trademark Office to reject the application.

The company says the term is too generic and competitors should be able to use it.

"An 'app store' is an 'app store'," said Russell Pangborn, Microsoft's associate general counsel. "Like 'shoe store' or 'toy store', it is a generic term that is commonly used by companies, governments and individuals that offer apps."

"The term 'app store' should continue to be available for use by all without fear of reprisal by Apple."

It is not clear why Microsoft has filed papers now, more than a year after the USPTO opened up Apple's original application for opposition.

However the move comes just days after Apple launched its latest App Store, for computer software.

Since the iPhone and other high-end mobile handsets emerged over recent years, downloadable applications - or apps - have become commonplace.

Microsoft runs its own application store for Windows phones, while Google and Nokia also have their own equivalents. Amazon, meanwhile, recently announced plans to open its own retail channel called Amazon Appstore.

Apple did not respond to a request for comment, but it is not the first time the company has found itself on the end of a trademark dispute.

After the iPhone launched in 2007, it emerged that technology rival Cisco owned the trademark, used for a range of internet-based telephone handsets. The two companies eventually settled and have now agreed to share rights over the name.

In addition, the Californian company took nearly 30 years to completely settle its conflict with Apple Corps, the record company founded by the Beatles.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12173224

FlexxAeon · 01-12-2011, 11:54 AM

never thought i'd say this but THANK YOU MICROSOFT!

Go get em!

Barry-xlovecam · 01-12-2011, 12:17 PM

The outcome after appeal will be interesting. My money is on Apple's case ...

Babaganoosh · 01-12-2011, 12:19 PM

Fucking Apple. Goddamn I hate that company and all of its rabid fans.

just a punk · 01-12-2011, 12:23 PM

I'm absolutely agree with Microsoft on this case. It's the same as to trademark "message board", "arm shop", "lesbian bar" or... "gay tube"

Ravage · 01-13-2011, 10:08 AM

Very smart move, and hopefully (I can't beleive I'm saying it), that Microsoft wins.

I sure has hell do not want to be paying royalties to Apple if I created an AdultRental app store.

SteveHardeman · 01-13-2011, 10:10 AM

Gotta agree with MS on this one.

_Richard_ · 01-13-2011, 10:39 AM

hope ms wins

01-12-2011, 11:50 AM	#1
DVTimes xxx Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: UK Posts: 31,544	Microsoft seeks to block Apple 'App Store' trademark Microsoft has said that it has asked US officials to block Apple's attempt to trademark the words "App Store". Apple submitted an application for the phrase - used for its iPhone, iPad and Macintosh download services - in 2008. But Microsoft has now told BBC News that it has asked the US Patent and Trademark Office to reject the application. The company says the term is too generic and competitors should be able to use it. "An 'app store' is an 'app store'," said Russell Pangborn, Microsoft's associate general counsel. "Like 'shoe store' or 'toy store', it is a generic term that is commonly used by companies, governments and individuals that offer apps." "The term 'app store' should continue to be available for use by all without fear of reprisal by Apple." It is not clear why Microsoft has filed papers now, more than a year after the USPTO opened up Apple's original application for opposition. However the move comes just days after Apple launched its latest App Store, for computer software. Since the iPhone and other high-end mobile handsets emerged over recent years, downloadable applications - or apps - have become commonplace. Microsoft runs its own application store for Windows phones, while Google and Nokia also have their own equivalents. Amazon, meanwhile, recently announced plans to open its own retail channel called Amazon Appstore. Apple did not respond to a request for comment, but it is not the first time the company has found itself on the end of a trademark dispute. After the iPhone launched in 2007, it emerged that technology rival Cisco owned the trademark, used for a range of internet-based telephone handsets. The two companies eventually settled and have now agreed to share rights over the name. In addition, the Californian company took nearly 30 years to completely settle its conflict with Apple Corps, the record company founded by the Beatles. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12173224 __________________ The Affiliate Program

01-12-2011, 11:54 AM	#2
FlexxAeon Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 3,765	never thought i'd say this but THANK YOU MICROSOFT! Go get em! __________________ flexx [dot] aeon [at] gmail

01-12-2011, 12:19 PM	#4
Babaganoosh ♥♥♥ Likes Hugs ♥♥♥ Industry Role: Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: /home Posts: 15,841	Fucking Apple. Goddamn I hate that company and all of its rabid fans. __________________ I like pie.

01-12-2011, 12:23 PM	#5
just a punk So fuckin' bored Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 32,384	I'm absolutely agree with Microsoft on this case. It's the same as to trademark "message board", "arm shop", "lesbian bar" or... "gay tube" __________________ Obey the Cowgod Last edited by just a punk; 01-12-2011 at 12:25 PM..

01-13-2011, 10:08 AM	#6
Ravage Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toronto Posts: 2,242	Very smart move, and hopefully (I can't beleive I'm saying it), that Microsoft wins. I sure has hell do not want to be paying royalties to Apple if I created an AdultRental app store. __________________ Formerly known as Adult Rental Chris ICQ - 452-693-463 \| Skype: xravagex

01-12-2011, 12:17 PM	#3
Barry-xlovecam It's 42 Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Global Posts: 18,083	The outcome after appeal will be interesting. My money is on Apple's case ...

01-13-2011, 10:10 AM	#7
SteveHardeman Confirmed User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Atlanta Posts: 1,728	Gotta agree with MS on this one. __________________ BrokeAmateurs And ErosPOV And GirlsGoingSolo And PureAshley Sign Up At AmateursConvert.com Questions? I-C-Q: 3Five1FiveFive3476

01-13-2011, 10:39 AM	#8
_Richard_ Too lazy to set a custom title Industry Role: Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Earth Posts: 30,989	hope ms wins