Cisco Files Suit Against Apple Over iPhone Trademark. Apparently, Cisco holds the trademark for iPhone - and Apple went ahead with using the name even though it had been in discussions with Cisco.
According to the Los Angeles Times:
Until Monday night, the two companies were negotiating over the name. Cisco, which acquired the name when it bought another company, was willing to "share," Cisco spokeswoman Terry Anderson said.
. . .
For the last several years, Apple has been asking Cisco about the iPhone name, Cisco said.
Anderson said the networking company was not looking for money and recognized the hard work of the Apple team. But Cisco is looking for a "collaboration and joint development with Apple" to ensure that Apple's phone works with Cisco's networking gear.
Incredible. There is an argument (mostly from the small inventors) that the big companies don't really care whether they infringe upon some one else's IP. If they want to do it, they just do it regardless. If the story about Apple is correct - it lends some credibility to that view.
I'm all for challenging non-valid and questionable IP. I am also in favor of limiting what types of ideas and knowledge can be considered personal property. But when there is a valid IP, it needs to be enforced. It really is the wild West out there!
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