After spending a ton of money in the courts, Apple have decided to withdraw their case against Amazon for use of the term appstore.
Apple tried to assert that “App Store” was a service mark (a bit like a trade mark but for services). Amazon contended that even Steve Jobs mentioned the “four app stores on Android” and Tim Cook, present Apple CEO, has also referred to “the number of app stores out there”.
Apple’s attempted to register the “App Store” mark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 2008 but that was challenged by Microsoft claiming it could not be registered as it was generic. Now it appears that Amazon have won and we can all go out and create appstores as places which are…. well stores for apps!
Amazon issued a short statement saying “We’re gratified that the court has conclusively dismissed this case”. They added that they’re looking forward to continuing to provide apps for their customers from their store.
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Apple flexing their legal muscle and deservedly losing. What a joke for them to even try to claim App Store!
Next week: Microsoft is suing all window cleaners for us of their trademark in their promotional material. Apple – boo