There's no doubt that Apple were indeed first to coin the phrase "App Store", but can they have exclusive rights to use the term? With other companies such as Google and Microsoft offering the same service for their platforms, how else can they describe their"¦application"¦stores? I'm open to hearing any decent alternatives here.
Well Microsoft apparently feel strongly enough on the subject that they have filed a motion with the US patent and Trademark Office, which has requested that they dismiss Apple's trademark claim for "App Store", claiming that it "is generic for retail store services featuring apps".
Apple's attempt to claim exclusive use of the term is based on the grounds that they wish to use the term broadly for their software, not just for mobile purposes. Microsoft's argument however is that the term (including the individual words within it) are generic - simply descriptive of what it is.
This problem seems to have been going on for quite a while however, as in Apple's last trademark application notes from back in 7th July, there was pending opposition to the term.
However, it's likely this process will now be sped up with Microsoft's complaint. So how will this swing? Will Apple gain exclusive rights to the term "App Store" or will it be free for all? Taking all bets.
Via: Engadget
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Next thing you know, Apple will trademark “phone”!