Dave Horvath
10 Jan 2007 17:32
Global leader in network device manufacturing, Cisco isn't very impressed with the latest offering from Apple. Shortly after the Keynote Address by Apple CEO Steve Jobs where the new iPhone was announced, Cisco got themselves in a fit over what they feel is their trademark.
Cisco's VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) telephone systems use the term Iphone quite regularly. Cisco claims that Apple's launch of their iPhone is a direct violation of their trademark and has issued a lawsuit to protect their rights.
When asked about the latest developments, an Apple representative was quoted in saying, "We think Cisco's trademark lawsuit is silly. There are already several companies using the name iPhone for Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) products." Makes you wonder if that silly Apple representative just opened his company up for those several other companies to try and get a piece of the action.
Apple further responded with, "We are the first company to ever use the iPhone name for a cell phone, and if Cisco wants to challenge us on it we are very confident we will prevail."
Cisco had entered talks with Apple about the fair use of the trademark, but had never formally given permission to use it. Cisco stated that it was under the impression that Apple would release a public statement regarding the trademark, but did no such thing prior to launch of their product.
A Cisco representative said, "This issue is not about money, and it's not about the phone itself; it is about Cisco's obligation to protect its trademark in the face of Apple using it without our permission."
Source:
BBC