We heard a while back that Apple was suing Amazon for using the term ‘App Store’, for which it holds a trademark, and we also heard that a number of companies, including Microsoft had challenged Apple’s ‘App Store’ trademark in the EU.
Now Apple has denied that their term ‘App Store’ is a generic term and has filed more details in a court in California in their lawsuit against Amazon.
Apple have said in the filing that the term ‘App Store’ isn’t generic and also Amazon’s App Store for Android isn’t an ‘App Store’, “Apple denies that, based on their common meaning, the words ‘app store’ together denote a store for apps,”.
The Legal Battle Over ‘App Store’
The legal battle between Apple and Amazon over the term ‘App Store’ has garnered significant attention in the tech industry. Apple, which launched its App Store in 2008, argues that the term is closely associated with its brand and the ecosystem it has built around iOS applications. The company believes that allowing other entities to use the term would dilute its brand and create confusion among consumers.
Amazon, on the other hand, launched its own Appstore for Android in 2011, arguing that ‘app store’ is a generic term that simply describes a store where apps are sold. Amazon’s defense hinges on the idea that the term has become widely used and understood by the public to mean any online marketplace for applications, not just Apple’s.
Implications for the Tech Industry
The outcome of this legal dispute could have far-reaching implications for the tech industry. If Apple succeeds in its lawsuit, it could set a precedent that allows companies to trademark commonly used terms, potentially leading to a flurry of similar lawsuits. This could stifle innovation and competition, as smaller companies might find it difficult to navigate the legal landscape.
Conversely, if Amazon prevails, it could open the door for more companies to use the term ‘app store’ without fear of legal repercussions. This could lead to increased competition in the app marketplace, potentially benefiting consumers through more choices and better prices.
It will be interesting to see how the court case turns out, as we have also heard that Microsoft intends to launch an ‘App Store’ with Windows 8. Microsoft’s entry into the app store market could further complicate matters, as it would add another major player to the mix. The company has already expressed its opposition to Apple’s trademark, arguing that the term ‘app store’ should be available for use by any company.
In addition to Microsoft, other tech giants like Google and Samsung are closely watching the case. These companies have their own app marketplaces and could be affected by the court’s decision. A ruling in favor of Apple could force them to rebrand their app stores, while a ruling in favor of Amazon could embolden them to challenge other tech trademarks.
Source Tech Meme
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.
