• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Geeky Gadgets

The Latest Technology News

  • Home
  • Top News
  • AI
  • Apple
  • Android
  • Technology
  • Guides
  • Gadgets
  • Hardware
  • Gaming
  • Autos
  • Deals
  • About


Apple Could End Up Paying $38 Million For Using iPad Name In China

1:39 pm February 7, 2012 By Roland Hutchinson

The trademark for the name ‘iPad’ in China isn’t owned by Apple, and the company is currently engaged in a lawsuit with Proview, who own the trademark in China.

Proview sold a number of ‘iPad’ trademarks to Apple in other countries, although they maintain that they never sold the iPad trademark to Apple in China, and it could end up costing Apple around $38 million.

Apple China

Proview are waiting a decision from the court in China to see whether the $38 million fine will be awarded against Apple, the fine was put on hold last year as Apple were appealing the decision.

“Proview made a formal complaint to the Xicheng administration in 2011 and they had planned to slap Apple with a 240 million yuan ($38 million) fine, but it was suspended after Apple’s objections,” said Xie Xianghui, a lawyer from the Shenzhen branch of Grandall Law Firm. 

Background of the Dispute

The dispute between Apple and Proview dates back to 2009 when Apple, through a UK-based subsidiary, purchased the rights to the ‘iPad’ trademark from Proview’s Taiwanese affiliate. However, Proview Technology Shenzhen, a subsidiary of Proview International Holdings, claimed that the sale did not include the rights to the trademark in China. This discrepancy has led to a prolonged legal battle, with Proview asserting that they still hold the rights to the ‘iPad’ name within Chinese borders.

Proview, once a major player in the monitor manufacturing industry, has faced financial difficulties in recent years. The company sees the trademark dispute as a potential lifeline, hoping to leverage the situation to alleviate some of its financial woes. On the other hand, Apple, which has invested heavily in the Chinese market, views the resolution of this dispute as crucial to its continued success in the region.

Potential Implications for Apple

If the court rules in favor of Proview, Apple could face significant financial and operational repercussions. The $38 million fine is just one aspect of the potential fallout. Apple might also be forced to rebrand its iconic tablet in China, a move that could confuse consumers and disrupt its marketing strategies. Additionally, the case could set a precedent for other trademark disputes in China, potentially leading to more legal challenges for Apple and other international companies operating in the country.

Apple’s legal team has argued that the purchase agreement with Proview’s Taiwanese affiliate included the rights to the ‘iPad’ trademark in China. They contend that Proview is attempting to exploit a loophole in the agreement to extract additional funds from Apple. The outcome of this case will hinge on the court’s interpretation of the original purchase agreement and the validity of Proview’s claims.

“We

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Pin
  • Email

Filed Under: Apple, Technology News



Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals


Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.

Primary Sidebar

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Top News

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra showcasing sleek design and premium build

Get Ready: Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra Release Date & Rumors!

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold showcasing its enhanced 6.4-inch outer display

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Full Spec Sheet LEAKED!

AI-powered productivity apps transforming workflows in 2025

9 Essential Productivity Apps to Master in 2025

Close-up of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic showcasing its elegant design

Getting Started with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic

AI agents transforming industries with innovative solutions

10 Mind-Blowing Ways AI Agents Are Solving Real-World Problems

Guides

Roadmap for mastering machine learning skills by 2025

Essential Machine Learning Skills to Learn for Career Growth in 2025

AI-powered productivity apps transforming workflows in 2025

9 Essential Productivity Apps to Master in 2025

Outlook calendar showing multiple time zones for global scheduling

How to Add and Manage Multiple Time Zones in Outlook Calendar

iPhone screen time

Your Digital Detox: How to Reduce iPhone Screen Time Effectively

DIY assembly process of a Galaxy S22 Ultra using AliExpress parts

Is Building a Samsung Phone from AliExpress Parts Even POSSIBLE?

Apple News

iPhone screen time

Your Digital Detox: How to Reduce iPhone Screen Time Effectively

iOS 26 public beta delay explained with key insights and timeline

iOS 26 Public Beta: Everything You Need to Know Before the Launch

Comparison of iOS 26 and Android 16 design updates and features

iOS 26 vs. Android 16: A Deep Dive into the Next Generation of Mobile OS

iPhone 17 design concept showcasing notchless display and sleek bezels

iPhone 17: Apple Faces New Challenges Ahead of Launch

Preview of iOS 26 Liquid Glass design with dynamic transparency effects

iOS 26 Beta 4 & Public Beta 1: What’s New & When to Get It

Technology News

Lightweight Storm10 Mini laptop with sleek aluminum design

Storm10 Mini 2-in-1 Laptop Review : Lightweight Design Meets Big Ambitions

Overview of Amazon Kira IDE and its AI-powered features

New Kiro AI IDE Released by Amazon with Free Claude 4 Access for Limited Time

Tizen OS

Samsung Solidifies Smart TV Leadership with Major Tizen OS Licensing Expansion

Tor Project controversy over OS spoofing removal sparks user outrage

The Shocking Truth Behind Tor’s OS Spoofing Removal

Apple TV 4K 2025 with sleek metal design and premium build

Apple TV 4K 2025: The Game-Changing Features You Need to Know

Android News

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra showcasing sleek design and premium build

Get Ready: Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra Release Date & Rumors!

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold showcasing its enhanced 6.4-inch outer display

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Full Spec Sheet LEAKED!

Close-up of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic showcasing its elegant design

Getting Started with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic

Glyph Matrix design on the Nothing Phone 3 showcasing LED notifications

Is the Nothing Phone 3 Worth It?

DIY assembly process of a Galaxy S22 Ultra using AliExpress parts

Is Building a Samsung Phone from AliExpress Parts Even POSSIBLE?

Footer

About Us

  • About Geeky Gadgets
  • Advertise On Geeky Gadgets
  • Archives
  • Contact Geeky Gadgets
  • Disclosure Policy
  • Free Newsletter
  • Geeky Gadgets Logo
  • Privacy Policy
  • Site Map

Further Reading

  • AI
  • Apple iPad
  • Apple iPhone
  • Auto News
  • Camera News
  • Concepts & Design
  • Design News
  • Entertainment News
  • Geeky Stuff
  • Guides
  • Mobile Phone News
  • Reviews
  • Sponsored
  • Tablet News

Copyright 2007 - 2023 Geeky Gadgets
Geeky Gadgets
  • Home
  • Top News
  • AI
  • Apple
  • Android
  • Technology
  • Guides
  • Gadgets
  • Hardware
  • Gaming
  • Autos
  • Deals
  • About