Yesterday, the news was that Cisco and Apple were in discussions over the use by Apple of the name iPhone for its new mobile phone and a final agreement was expected shortly. Today, the news is not quite so optimistic with Cisco filing a lawsuit against Apple today for the infringement of Cisco’s registered iPhone trademark. “Today’s iPhone is not tomorrow’s iPhone. The potential for convergence of the home phone, cell phone, work phone and PC is limitless, which is why it is so important for us to protect our brand,” said Mark Chandler, senior vice president and general counsel, Cisco.
Apparently, Apple has tried since 2001 to get the iPhone trademark. The suit alleges that Apple went as far as setting up a front company to try to acquire the rights.
Cisco is seeking an injunction to prevent Apple from using the name as well as damages.