Apple May Not Own The Name iPad In China

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While Apple has been embroiled in lawsuits all over the world over its trademarks and devices, taking on some big name companies in the process, it may have a significant problem on its hands from one rather smaller company by the name of Proview. Turns out that, in China, Apple may not be able to continue selling iPads, at least, not under the name iPad.

Way back in October, a company in Taiwan by the name of Proview Electronics went after Apple, saying that they were first to own the name iPad. Proview at the time promised to sue for damages in the US and in China alike, but Apple quietly bought up the global rights. However, apparently “global” did not include China at the time, because rights to the name iPad in the Chinese market weren’t included in the rights Apple bought, and so Apple went after said Chinese rights, taking Proview to court in Shenzhen. And the results reportedly came in from same legal foray…and they’re not good for Apple. Shenzhen’s Intermediate People’s Court rejected Apple’s suit, but the news is not all bad for Apple–apparently they’ve won other legal battles to get preliminary injunctions for the name in both Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that, according to some reports back in October, Proview’s chairman said that the company was in “big financial trouble” and that the trademarks in question were “a valuable asset”, which makes for at least some explanation as to why they’re going after this like they are. Further reports suggest that Proview was seeking damages from Apple measuring around 10 billion yuan, or right around $1.5 billion US, which provides some more explanation.

An interesting state of affairs, especially since Proview is essentially suing on their home turf, but how this all turns out will be very interesting to watch. I don’t look for Proview to walk away with their full sought damages, but a multi-million dollar settlement might well be sufficient to keep things going smoothly. And considering Apple’s massive stockpile of ready cash, it would be the kind of thing Apple could do in a heartbeat, if the need arose.

So what do you guys think here? Does Proview have a leg to stand on? Will Apple have to pay out big? Or do you see a third solution in the making? No matter what your thoughts on this one, we’re always glad to hear from you, so hit the comments section and tell us what you think!