Cisco And Apple Reach iPhone Trademark Agreement

[Unspeaked]

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Cisco, Apple Settle High-Stakes iPhone Trademark-Infringement Lawsuit

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- Cisco Systems Inc. and Apple Inc. said Wednesday they have settled the trademark-infringement lawsuit that threatened to derail Apple's use of the "iPhone" name for its much-hyped new iPod-cellular phone gadget.

The companies said they reached an agreement that will allow Apple to use the name for its sleek new multimedia device in exchange for exploring wide-ranging "interoperability" between the companies' products in the areas of security, consumer and business communications.
The showdown between the Silicon Valley tech heavyweights erupted last month when Cisco sued Apple in San Francisco federal court claiming that Apple's use of the iPhone name constituted a "willful and malicious" violation of a trademark that Cisco has owned since 2000.

Cisco's Linksys division has been using the trademark since last spring on a line of phones that make free long-distance calls over the Internet using a technology called Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP.

[WildCowboy]

Sure doesn't sound like Apple gave up much of anything. Cisco must have known their trademark case was shaky at best. It's probably all for the best...keep everything amicable and foster collaboration.

[EricNau]

Obviously Cisco wasn't in this for anything more than publicity.

[MacNut]

Honestly I would think Cisco would have the better argument for the term iPhone VOIP is Internet phone after all.

[smueboy]

I think Cisco played their hand fairly well. They have gained publicity from this, and may gain from some sort of partnership with Apple in the future.

[macridah]

good to get this out of the way. hope it helps the stock.

[SiliconAddict]

Originally Posted by WildCowboy

Sure doesn't sound like Apple gave up much of anything. Cisco must have known their trademark case was shaky at best. It's probably all for the best...keep everything amicable and foster collaboration.

You sound like a glass is half full type of person. Personally it sounds as if Steve caved. Who does this agreement benefit more? Apple or Cisco? The iphone is going to be sold in the US well before anywhere else. Without that trademark Apple would have to rename everything, everything in the OS, iTunes, website, etc. Its more of a PITA for Apple then anything else. Alternatively Cisco now gets to piggyback their hardware on Apple's success.

Yah I think Apple knew they were up crap creek, at least in the US. As has been stated before the company Cisco bought has had the name for years. Well before the iPod, and you sure as heck can't trademark putting an i infront of a product's name. That has been done for years as well *Holds up his iPaq 3630 circa 2000*

[nagromme]

Originally Posted by SiliconAddict

*Holds up his iPaq 3630 circa 2000*

Rhymes suspiciously with the 1998 iMac (Which, unlike the 1996 iPhone, had huge brand awareness and media attention worth playing off of.)

[SiliconAddict]

Originally Posted by nagromme

Rhymes suspiciously with the 1998 iMac

Maybe so, but again you can't trademark iEverything right? A specific word like iPhone, iRan, iRack, iSaw, etc. But the concept all everything with an i in front of it? And even if they could; from what I understand about trademarks its a defend it or loose it situation. There have been plenty of other products out there with i's in front of them and Apple hasn't thrown a hissy fit.

I really think Apple knew they were somewhat hosed in the US and settled.

[MacNut]

Why can't Apple just come up with something original, Everything is "i" now. How bout some actual names for stuff.

[ipearx]

Originally Posted by SiliconAddict

Maybe so, but again you can't trademark iEverything right? A specific word like iPhone, iRan, iRack, iSaw, etc. But the concept all everything with an i in front of it? And even if they could; from what I understand about trademarks its a defend it or loose it situation. There have been plenty of other products out there with i's in front of them and Apple hasn't thrown a hissy fit.

One difference is everyone has been calling the Apple iPhone by that name for years, even when it didn't exist yet. I don't know much about US patent law, but couldn't Apple claim the term iPhone is too commonly used already to be trademarked?
I wonder what Apple would prefer, iPhone not being trademarkable by anyone, or having to share the trademark with someone else?

[WildCowboy]

Originally Posted by SiliconAddict

You sound like a glass is half full type of person. Personally it sounds as if Steve caved. Who does this agreement benefit more? Apple or Cisco? The iphone is going to be sold in the US well before anywhere else. Without that trademark Apple would have to rename everything, everything in the OS, iTunes, website, etc. Its more of a PITA for Apple then anything else. Alternatively Cisco now gets to piggyback their hardware on Apple's success.

"Interoperability" is a pretty low bar. An agreement to "explore" interoperability is absurdly low...Apple really gave up next to nothing.

[Peace]

Originally Posted by WildCowboy

"Interoperability" is a pretty low bar. An agreement to "explore" interoperability is absurdly low...Apple really gave up next to nothing.

Exactly! Apple can "explore interoperability" for 20 years.

[dongmin]

Originally Posted by SiliconAddict

Yah I think Apple knew they were up crap creek, at least in the US. As has been stated before the company Cisco bought has had the name for years. Well before the iPod, and you sure as heck can't trademark putting an i infront of a product's name. That has been done for years as well *Holds up his iPaq 3630 circa 2000*

You're joking right? Apple knew all along that they had the upper hand. That's why they went ahead and announced the name even though they didn't have the trademark. Notice that when Apple released the "iTV", Apple was much more careful about the name. With the iPhone, Steve was confident that the name would be kosher.

I don't know what people are saying about Apple "caving in." It sounds to me like they gave up nothing other than letting Cisco share the trademark. "Under the agreement, both companies are free to use the “iPhone” trademark on their products throughout the world....In addition, Cisco and Apple will explore opportunities for interoperability in the areas of security, and consumer and enterprise communications."

Look, in about a year, Cisco's iPhone will disappear from the market. Really, who other than the geeks who blow their money at Fry's is gonna buy this iPhone thing from Linksys (???). Surely, you must be taking the piss.

[Whistleway]

This is another Apple Corp issue.. Cisco is waiting for iPhone to get big before it taps on Apple for more dough. Apple again is falling victim just like they did with Beatles..

Oh well... SJ is just too trusting especially those in suits..

Originally Posted by dongmin

Look, in about a year, Cisco's iPhone will disappear from the market. Really, who other than the geeks who blow their money at Fry's is gonna buy this iPhone thing from Linksys (???). Surely, you must be taking the piss.

Sorry, but is not really true. It borders ignorance, especially if taken into consideration the power of branding..

Imagine Apple doesn't really own the iPod trademark. How would that affect the stability of the business, let alone the brand imagery on the consumer's mind.

If iPhone takes off big, there is nothing (probably) Apple could do but to pay Cisco lots of dough, just like they had to do with Apple Corps..

[Peace]

[snippet]

Originally Posted by Whistleway

If iPhone takes off big, there is nothing (probably) Apple could do but to pay Cisco lots of dough, just like they had to do with Apple Corps..

I'm sorry but that makes no sense to me at all..

You make it sound like Apple will have to pay Cisco cash IF the iPhone becomes popular.

[imikem]

Originally Posted by SiliconAddict

Personally it sounds as if Steve caved. Who does this agreement benefit more? Apple or Cisco?

As someone who makes his living doing care and feeding of Cisco hardware, I feel obliged to suggest that this agreement could be potentially quite beneficial to both companies. Many here may not even be aware of Cisco's dominant position in the world of network hardware. It's not really an exaggeration to say that the Internet runs on Cisco.

Many areas exist where collaboration between the companies could yield improved products and features. For example, something I'm working with now: Network Access Control (Network Admission Control in Cisco parlance). Providing better support for this in MacOS X could make the already strong security story in Macs more compelling to businesses as they try to improve their network security stance. Conversely, failing to address this risks marginalization since you can bet Microsoft is working on NAC OS hooks.

That's just one example. The world of IP telephony is another, obviously. VPNs. On and on...

Apple can benefit by improved support for their products in the network closets that Cisco more or less owns (think wireless VOIP from your iPhone on corporate LANs as well as at home on your Linksys access point). Cisco can benefit by increased corporate visibility to ordinary users, by gaining momentum for initiatives such as NAC, and increased sales of gear blessed by both companies in their collaboration.

I think it's win-win. The month+ of controversy and free publicity for each didn't hurt either.

[MacRumors]

Cisco and Apple have announced that they have reached an agreement over the iPhone trademark dispute that erupted soon after Apple announced the iPhone at Macworld San Francisco.

Under the agreement, both companies are free to use the “iPhone” trademark on their products throughout the world. Both companies acknowledge the trademark ownership rights that have been granted, and each side will dismiss any pending actions regarding the trademark. In addition, Cisco and Apple will explore opportunities for interoperability in the areas of security, and consumer and enterprise communications.

Other terms of the agreement remain confidential. Cisco launched their brand of "iPhone" VOIP handsets in December, and has held the US trademark for the "iPhone," whereas Apple has the mark in other countries.

[~Shard~]

I knew Apple wouldn't come out on the losing side of this. It just wouldn't be right if the iPhone wasn't called, well, the iPhone!

[brepublican]

Originally Posted by ~Shard~

I knew Apple wouldn't come out on the losing side of this. It just wouldn't be right if the iPhone wasn't called, well, the iPhone!

Finally! Good to get all that nonsense out of the way. I'm sure Apple realises no one will confuse the true iPhone with those ugly Cisco POS 'iPhones'

[gauriemma]

Originally Posted by ~Shard~

I knew Apple wouldn't come out on the losing side of this. It just wouldn't be right if the iPhone wasn't called, well, the iPhone!

I think 'iMobile' would be better. 'iPhone' is too limiting.

Of course, T-Mobile might get their undies in a bunch then...

[wakerider017]

Apple is a bully.

[~Shard~]

Originally Posted by wakerider017

Apple is a bully.

Nothing wrong with that. It's business after all...

[ModestPenguin]

Originally Posted by ~Shard~

Nothing wrong with that. It's business after all...

But oh Jesus...If those microsoft Bast***s ever push anyone around again...so help me!

But apple can do what it wants. I like them better.



Nothing against you Shard, I agree, I just think it's funny that we all freak out at Microsoft for bullying but the times apple does the same thing, myself included, think of it as great business...lol

[Digitalclips]

Originally Posted by ModestPenguin

But oh Jesus...If those microsoft Bast***s ever push anyone around again...so help me!

But apple can do what it wants. I like them better.



Nothing against you Shard, I agree, I just think it's funny that we all freak out at Microsoft for bullying but the times apple does the same thing, myself included, think of it as great business...lol

When a company with a 95% market share does it it is slightly different one could argue.

Most times the criticism of MS 'bullying' is when it simply rips off another product such as: Mac UI, Netscape, Java, (make your own list here) and rolls them into its user-base by inclusion in its OS thus crushing the original product.

I don't see the Cisco and Apple 'run in' over a trade mark as remotely similar.