Apple Defends Against Microsoft in 'App Store' Trademark Dispute

[Millah]

Yah, but just a brief glimpse of your post history suggests to take anything you say with a grain of salt. It seems in your eyes Apple can do no good and google is nothing but good, which begs to question why you're here in the first place?

Jealousy. Fandroids have a fair bit of jealousy towards a company that they claim to resent.

I can't remember a single person ever paying that much attention to anything if they didn't care about it in some way. I'm not saying they "care" about it in a rational way, but I'm saying they sure have Apple on their minds quite a lot.

Which is the saddest and most pathetic type of fanboy that exists.



And to anyone who trys to claim "Windows isn't generic like App store" is really being shallow. The entire name Windows basically derives itself from the GUI metaphor of having windowed applications in the user interface. Macs have "windows" just like Windows has "windows." Its just as generic of a trademark as "app store." But as Apple's lawyers stated in the statement, its not a matter of how 'generic' something is but rather how relevant that term becomes in the overall population being associated to a certain brand.

 

[firewood]

PalmGear?

Didn't PilotGear or PalmGear call themselves an "app store" for PalmPilot apps, and build it (temporarily) into a multimillion dollar app business? If so, then they (or who ever ended up buying the remains) might have first rights to that trademark for mobile apps.

 

[mrsir2009]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPad; U; CPU OS 4_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8C148 Safari/6533.18.5)



Right. Are you forgetting who they are against? Apples opponent isn't exactly poor.

Yes, MS would have the best lawyers too.

 

[Millah]

Lack of innovation? Microsoft Surface, Kinect, Windows Phone 7, and the projects that take images and make 3D models out of them is not innovation?

Meanwhile, making a 4x4 grid OS is innovation and then making it bigger for a tablet version is innovation? Get real.

It's time to stop posting.

You can't possibly believe that the only thing Apple did for mobile operating systems is simply laying out a 4x4 grid. And then simply "making it bigger for a tablet."

There's no possible way you are this ignorant.

But then again, maybe you are. And if so, I'd suggest that you be the one to take a break from posting.



You know, innovation isn't just coming up with ideas, but its also turning those ideas into reality and making it practical. Surface is a wonderful IDEA. But did they manage to turn it into a realistic and practical product for consumers? No.

Hell, I come up with about 100 different amazing ideas every day, but that doesn't make me innovative. Innovation is putting those wonderful ideas into motion and setting down the foundation for that idea and turning it into a practical and usable product for every day people. Not just that, but DOING IT VERY WELL. Apple didn't invent the touch screen user interface. They were the first to do it right. Apple didn't invent tablet computers. They were the first to do it right. And they did so both times with a radically different product from predecessors.

Henry Ford didn't invent motorized personal transportation. Then why is he credited as "inventing the car?" He did it right. He invented the assembly line, created a vastly superior motor vehicle that got it right, and made it practical and realistic for every day people to purchase.

Man, what is with the amount of idiots on this forum nowadays? It seems like the bigger Apple has gotten, the more and more I see borderline retarded posts coming from immature jealous fanboys.

 

[linux2mac]

Lack of innovation? Microsoft Surface, Kinect, Windows Phone 7, and the projects that take images and make 3D models out of them is not innovation?

Meanwhile, making a 4x4 grid OS is innovation and then making it bigger for a tablet version is innovation? Get real.

It's time to stop posting.

Windows Phone 7? ROFLMAO I can't believe you just mentioned that. You must be kidding.

Let's see here, Microsoft's philosophy is "if you can't beat them, copy them." Here is your innovative company trying to copy the Apple Stores.

Microsoft Store- breaks into dance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJCEG8dhV5c

As one commenter posted - "I feel so sad for everyone involved."

 

[firewood]

Yes, MS would have the best lawyers too.

Two big time results between the two companies. MS won the Mac mouse & GUI look and feel lawsuit. MS settled the "borrowed" QuickTime IP lawsuit greatly in Apple's favor.

 

[TigerWoodsIV]

How so, Google has a "Marketplace" does it not?

Let's not forget that until Apple came along with their app store the term "app store" was unheard of. Apple coined the term, so it should be pretty much theirs to use.

As for Microsoft objecting...this comes from the people with trademarks on:

WINDOWS
OFFICE
WORD

Give me a friggin' break!!! They're having a bloody laugh!

I'm not saying Google should, just that they're the only ones rivaling the App Store right now really, so they have the biggest reason to do anything to gain market share.

 

[mKTank]

Windows Phone 7? ROFLMAO I can't believe you just mentioned that. You must be kidding.

Spoken like somebody who has never even tried one. If you weren't talking out of your ass, you'd know just how unique WP7 is.

As far as I know, Microsoft didn't copy anybody with Windows Phone 7, Kinect, nor the Surface.

Of course no matter how hard I try to knock some sense into people here, my attempts go to waste. It's a Mac forum. They naturally hate Microsoft and generally everything non-Apple without a single good reason but age-old BS from 1995.

 

[TigerWoodsIV]

Wow - could you be more wrong? No one said Apps until Apple and the iPhone. You must be young. Very young. Many people for years have used the term Apps. The first PALM had "apps". And the term predates the palm.

But I don't expect someone who is so vehemently against Microsoft to post anything else based on the rest of your post.

I don't think Microsoft (or Nokia, or anyone else) would object if Apple wanted to trademark "Apple App Store" or iTunes App Store

Maybe it was used back in the day, but today you say App, you think Apple. It's not like they're trying to trademark the word App anyway. This really isn't a big deal, it's not like any of the other companies in the market are going to try to use it for their products now that most average consumers think App and App Store mean Apple.

 

[linux2mac]

Spoken like somebody who has never even tried one. If you weren't talking out of your ass, you'd know just how unique WP7 is.

As far as I know, Microsoft didn't copy anybody with Windows Phone 7, Kinect, nor the Surface.

Of course no matter how hard I try to knock some sense into people here, my attempts go to waste. It's a Mac forum. They naturally hate Microsoft and generally everything non-Apple without a single good reason but age-old BS from 1995.

Why does a Windows user try to persuade Mac users that Windows is better on a Mac specific forum? The only thing I can think of is desperation on Microsoft's part.

I doubt any Mac user would waste their time on a Windows specific web site.

 

[TigerWoodsIV]

Spoken like somebody who has never even tried one. If you weren't talking out of your ass, you'd know just how unique WP7 is.

As far as I know, Microsoft didn't copy anybody with Windows Phone 7, Kinect, nor the Surface.

Of course no matter how hard I try to knock some sense into people here, my attempts go to waste. It's a Mac forum. They naturally hate Microsoft and generally everything non-Apple without a single good reason but age-old BS from 1995.

I don't hate Microsoft, I just think they put out garbage products compared to Apple at this point in time. I hate using Windows, I had Windows until college and I'm so glad I switched. Windows phones have always been a pain IMO, etc. The market pretty much speaks to the fact that people aren't all about Windows anymore with the success of Android and iOS, and with Apple's profits perpetually rising. I wouldn't be against Microsoft if they came out with a product I liked using more than my Apple products, but recently they haven't.

 

[ct2k7]

Why does a Windows user try to persuade Mac users that Windows is better on a Mac specific forum? The only thing I can think of is desperation on Microsoft's part.

I doubt any Mac user would waste their time on a Windows specific web site.

What? You've completely missed the point.

 

[linux2mac]

There's no possible way you are this ignorant.

*Cough* *Cough* We're talking about Microsoft - LOL

 

[mKTank]

Why does a Windows user try to persuade Mac users that Windows is better on a Mac specific forum? The only thing I can think of is desperation on Microsoft's part.

I doubt any Mac user would waste their time on a Windows specific web site.

Cool, I never said anything about Windows being better than Mac. Please play again!

I don't hate Microsoft, I just think they put out garbage products compared to Apple at this point in time. I hate using Windows, I had Windows until college and I'm so glad I switched. Windows phones have always been a pain IMO, etc. The market pretty much speaks to the fact that people aren't all about Windows anymore with the success of Android and iOS, and with Apple's profits perpetually rising. I wouldn't be against Microsoft if they came out with a product I liked using more than my Apple products, but recently they haven't.

Aaand there is proof to my point. You people base your opinion of Microsoft based on age-old BS from 1995. If you did any research at all, you'd know that WP7 has nothing to do with Windows Mobile. It's an entirely new platform and they have nothing in common. And the last experience you had of Windows is, what, XP?

I doubt you've tried 7, and I doubt you've tried WP7. You hypocrite.

 

[mKTank]

You can't possibly believe that the only thing Apple did for mobile operating systems is simply laying out a 4x4 grid. And then simply "making it bigger for a tablet."

Oh sorry, I forgot about the revolutionary antenna.

You know, innovation isn't just coming up with ideas, but its also turning those ideas into reality and making it practical. Surface is a wonderful IDEA. But did they manage to turn it into a realistic and practical product for consumers? No.

Hell, I come up with about 100 different amazing ideas every day, but that doesn't make me innovative. Innovation is putting those wonderful ideas into motion and setting down the foundation for that idea and turning it into a practical and usable product for every day people. Not just that, but DOING IT VERY WELL. Apple didn't invent the touch screen user interface. They were the first to do it right. Apple didn't invent tablet computers. They were the first to do it right. And they did so both times with a radically different product from predecessors.

Henry Ford didn't invent motorized personal transportation. Then why is he credited as "inventing the car?" He did it right. He invented the assembly line, created a vastly superior motor vehicle that got it right, and made it practical and realistic for every day people to purchase.

Damn, I shed a tear. Comparing a 4x4 grid phone to the invention of the automobile is retarded. Get real.

Man, what is with the amount of idiots on this forum nowadays? It seems like the bigger Apple has gotten, the more and more I see borderline retarded posts coming from immature jealous fanboys.

Well at least you admitted it.

 

[zenio]

That's hilarious. oh Microsoft, you're hypocrisy is quite funny.

I agree it's the hypocrisy twins.

Apple = Microsoft
Microsoft = Apple

There's no longer any difference.

Years ago Apple was the enthusiasts computer company. They were young, bright, creative & original.

Now it all about power & control. Steve & Apples culture of money, boasting, more money, more boasting.

There's no difference any longer. Apple has become the mainstream Walmart Loving mass market company.

 

[mKTank]

I agree it's the hypocrisy twins.

Apple = Microsoft
Microsoft = Apple

There's no longer any difference.

Years ago Apple was the enthusiasts computer company. They were young, bright, creative & original.

Now it all about power & control. Steve & Apples culture of money, boasting, more money, more boasting.

There's no difference any longer. Apple has become the mainstream Walmart Loving mass market company.

Meanwhile, Microsoft has become more user-oriented. Look at the Zune software for PC, at WP7, at Kinect, at W7, at IE9 at etc. etc. etc.

As opposed to Vista, IE8, Windows Mobile, etc.

Power corrupts.

 

[gwangung]

Spoken like somebody who has never even tried one. If you weren't talking out of your ass, you'd know just how unique WP7 is.

As far as I know, Microsoft didn't copy anybody with Windows Phone 7, Kinect, nor the Surface.

Of course no matter how hard I try to knock some sense into people here, my attempts go to waste. It's a Mac forum. They naturally hate Microsoft and generally everything non-Apple without a single good reason but age-old BS from 1995.

This, from someone as legally ignorant (and proud of it) as you are?

Heh.

 

[iLunar]

If you did any research at all, you'd know that WP7 has nothing to do with Windows Mobile.

I'm so tired of this argument. It's called Windows Phone 7. SEVEN. In that Microsoft had 7 versions to get a mobile operating system right. All that R&D and input went into it over the course of Windows development. It took the onslaught of iOS and Android for Microsoft to "reinvent" their mobile brand.

I couldn't care less if Windows Phone 7 is a brand new platform. Microsoft was in the mobile arena far longer than Apple or Google, and they have yet to catch up.

 

[gco212]

Maybe it was used back in the day, but today you say App, you think Apple. It's not like they're trying to trademark the word App anyway. This really isn't a big deal, it's not like any of the other companies in the market are going to try to use it for their products now that most average consumers think App and App Store mean Apple.

I tend to think the opposite. I hear the word app, I think application and probably phone related applications, but that includes Blackberry, Android, and other phone applications. But the word app isn't at controversy to begin with, Apple has never pretended it has a trademark on App, it's about App Store.

If it is determined App Store is generic or descriptive (which I think App Store is both personally), Apple has a very heavy burden of proving that App Store has taken on secondary meaning that people automatically associate App Store with Apple's App Store. That's why they are fighting the generic label, because most people just associate App Store with whatever App Store happens to be on their phone, their minds don't go straight to Apple.

 

[mKTank]

I'm so tired of this argument. It's called Windows Phone 7. SEVEN. In that Microsoft had 7 versions to get a mobile operating system right. All that R&D and input went into it over the course of Windows development. It took the onslaught of iOS and Android for Microsoft to "reinvent" their mobile brand.

I couldn't care less if Windows Phone 7 is a brand new platform. Microsoft was in the mobile arena far longer than Apple or Google, and they have yet to catch up.

"7" is just to sit nicely with Windows 7. It's still based on WinCE but if you actually tried it instead of going through verbal diarrhea episodes, you'd know that WP7 has nothing in common with WM6 or WM in general.

Looking at the multitasking teaser, I say they'll have caught up by the time the update comes out. You can't expect them to come out on top after 4 months.

This, from someone as legally ignorant (and proud of it) as you are?

Heh.

Wow, what an amazing argument. It must be your goddamn career or something.

 

[CommodityFetish]

I'm going to go trademark "Nanner Store" "Auto Store" "Veggie Store" and any other <abbreviation> + store I can think of...

Then I'm going to trademark an operating system called "menus," or maybe "scroll bars"

What a waste of resources, you'd think they'd find something better to do with their millions... a pox on both your houses.

 

[coder12]

Lack of innovation? Microsoft Surface, Kinect, Windows Phone 7, and the projects that take images and make 3D models out of them is not innovation?

Meanwhile, making a 4x4 grid OS is innovation and then making it bigger for a tablet version is innovation? Get real.

It's time to stop posting.

You know what? You're absolutely correct! A 4x4 grid where I can get to 128 applications with only 2 taps on my screen (Tapwave used this exact same idea for their launcher back in '03, and that's the reason why everyone praised the device for its genius launcher) is not innovation at all!

It's the opposite actually! Microsoft innovated WP7 by making me scroll down to see things hidden on the bottom of the screen.

WP7 is an inneficient joke, I'll stick with my iPad and my Touch Pro 2 thank you very much.

 

[iLunar]

"7" is just to sit nicely with Windows 7. It's still based on WinCE but if you actually tried it instead of going through verbal diarrhea episodes, you'd know that WP7 has nothing in common with WM6 or WM in general.

Looking at the multitasking teaser, I say they'll have caught up by the time the update comes out. You can't expect them to come out on top after 4 months.

Why not? They're a multi-billion dollar company, and software is supposed to be their craft...yet, they had seven chances to get it right, and didn't.

Who cares what Windows 7 is based on or if it's a different architecture. The R&D, UI know-how should have been there from all their previous experience.

Ballmer outwardly dismissed the iPhone at it's launch.

 

[mKTank]

You know what? You're absolutely correct! A 4x4 grid where I can get to 128 applications with only 2 taps on my screen (Tapwave used this exact same idea for their launcher back in '03, and that's the reason why everyone praised the device for its genius launcher) is not innovation at all!

Cool, so they're innovative for copying somebody else?

Also, two taps will get you 48 apps + 4 in dock. Didn't expect you to know how to count.

It's the opposite actually! Microsoft innovated WP7 by making me scroll down to see things hidden on the bottom of the screen.

They innovated by making the icons not non-static pieces of utter crap, the route Apple took. You know, how the temperature is always that same sunny day? And how the clock is always at that same exact static state? WP7's icons actually goddamn update and show you useful information. I don't have to tap a million times to get to the temperature. It's right goddamn there on my home screen. And I don't have to tap a million times to get to my calendar entry, it's right there on my lock screen. WP7 is just more functional. Only thing worse about it is the apps, and that's bound to change if and when it picks up thanks to Xbox Live and the ease of use with XNA. And let's say I want to get some search results quickly. Hold Windows button, say "search 'Weather in New York.'" I bet you my iPhone 4 will go "Calling Tom Bjork" while my Focus will actually search. So out the window goes your 'WP7 is inefficient' argument.