Trademark dispute could further delay Apple iPhone in Canada

[Stampyhead]

Looks like a Canadian telecom company, Comwave Telecom Inc., has been using the iPhone name as well, and is trying to stop Apple from selling theirs in Canada.
Trademark dispute could further delay Apple iPhone in Canada

A dispute between Apple Inc. and Toronto-based Comwave Telecom Inc. over the Canadian trademark rights to the name "iPhone" has yet to be resolved, adding another barrier to the launch of Apple's next-generation handheld device north of the border.

Comwave, which markets a collection of voice-over-internet services and products under the name iPhone, has filed its opposition with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, or CIPO, to Apple's trademark application for the proposed use of a handheld and mobile device called the iPhone in Canada.

The dispute, currently under review, could further delay the Canadian arrival of the Apple iPhone — a handset with a touchscreen interface, sleek design and both Wi-Fi and cellular service that has already sold over one million units in the United States since its launch in June. It will hit store shelves in Britain and Germany in time for the holiday season.

 

[GRB]

Wouldn't worry about it. Apple technically applied for the trademark first, so Comwave's hold on it is sketchy at best (or at least, Apple isn't totally baseless in trying to claim the trademark)

Besides, if it becomes a case of money, I doubt Apple'll have problems paying.

 

[skubish]

Wouldn't worry about it. Apple technically applied for the trademark first, so Comwave's hold on it is sketchy at best (or at least, Apple isn't totally baseless in trying to claim the trademark)

Besides, if it becomes a case of money, I doubt Apple'll have problems paying.

I dont think adding the letter i to the word Phone is a very defendable trademark. Especially since iPod, iMac, iWork, etc. have already existing for many years. It also makes Apple's trademark weak as well.

 

[Zegna]

I'm rather surprised by this trademark dispute.

Since I have always thought that the delays are mainly caused by the inability of the wireless network in Canada to fully support the iPhone.