Will Apple Rename the iPad?
Four centuries ago, Shakespeare wrote, “What’s in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Although there has been an insatiable demand for all things Apple in China, the iPad name is not so sweet there. According to the Wall Street Journal, Proview Technology, a computer display manufacturer based in Shenzhen, China, has filed a motion for a temporary restraining order against Apple. Proview claims that they have owned the “iPad” trademark in China since 2001. Apple is appealing to a higher court because it claims it owns the iPad trademark in mainland China.
Within the injunction that Proview has filed, Xie Xianghui, a lawyer representing Proview Technology, told China Daily, “We ask the court to stop selling and marketing for Apple’s iPad in China,” “We also demand an apology.” The firm is seeking a fine between $38 million and $1.6 billion. With nearly $98 billion that Apple has, it could easily pay a fine, although it’s not likely. The two companies are continuing their negotiations.
Although the odds of Apple changing its iPad name may be low, CNBC’s Squawk on the Street twittered its fans and asked, “TWEET US! Apple lawsuit for using word 'iPad.' If Apple ever had to change the iPad name - what's your pitch to Tim Cook?” Here are few of the creative answers: iTab, appPad, myPad or iTablet. There are also some humorous replies with eyePad, iFad, uPad, everybodyPad, or StevePad. Hopefully the consumers in China will not be asking, “iPad, iPad, wherefore art thou?” So, if needed, how would you rename the iPad?
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