Cisco Suing Apple For iPhone Trademark Infringement

Cisco is suing Apple and seeking an injunction to prevent Apple from using Cisco's "iPhone" US trademark. As of yesterday, Cisco representatives said that a deal was close for licensing the trademark to Apple, however it appears as though Apple's announcement before a deal was reached may have forced Cisco into the courts.

"Cisco entered into negotiations with Apple in good faith after Apple repeatedly asked permission to use Cisco's iPhone name," said Mark Chandler, senior vice president and general counsel, Cisco. "There is no doubt that Apple's new phone is very exciting, but they should not be using our trademark without our permission.

"Today's iPhone is not tomorrow's iPhone. The potential for convergence of the home phone, cell phone, work phone and PC is limitless, which is why it is so important for us to protect our brand," Chandler concluded.

With its lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Cisco is seeking an injunction to prevent Apple from copying Cisco's iPhone trademark.

Note: While Cisco has the US trademark for "iPhone," Apple does have the trademark for "iPhone" in some other countries.