REVENGE Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 Aside from Microsoft's entertainment and devices division president Robbie Bach's comments on how the iPhone will face "significant hurdles" in the market, it seems that the iPhone has already run into legal trouble before its official release. As it turns out, the "iPhone" moniker had already been registered by a group named Infogear over a decade ago in 1996. Infogear was acquired in 2000 by the now merged Cisco-Linksys group, which had just recently released their i[nternet]Phone back in December. On Tuesday, Cisco representatives disclosed that they've had many discussions with Apple over the naming issue recently, and that "it is our belief that Apple intends to agree to the final document. We expect to receive a signed agreement today (Tuesday)." Well, Tuesday came and gone with no word from Apple, but things took a turn for the worst yesterday when the Associated Press reported that Cisco has in fact filed a lawsuit against Apple for trademark infringement. In the end, it seems that the negotiations between the two companies failed, and it looks like Cisco has the advantage as they've possessed ownership of the "iPhone" name for over 5 years now. In addition to the bitter legal battle over naming the device that's about to ensue, Apple has also yet to receive FCC approval of its new device. The device must receive approval before it can be sold to anyone. It seems that Apple really must get ready to jump a few hurdles before it can enter the market. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xiberia Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 not only that, but... http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/11/iphone-...arated-at-birth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandmanfvrga Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 (edited) Just cause they look similar, won't mean squat. Many phones look similar and Apple has more patented stuff in theres. Having a "big touch screen" is nothing you can sue over. On the name, I think the courts should take "iPhone" from cisco due to them practicing trademark squatting. It is tacky to trademark some name YEARS ago and then, magically, release it around the time Apple unveils theres. Edited January 11, 2007 by sandmanfvrga Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cls Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 Hey guys. We are discussing the whole iPhone lawsuit over here (if you care to join): http://forum.insanelymac.com/index.php?sho...mp;#entry273478 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest goodtime Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 I think the name for "iPhone" is a big publicity stunt to generated more free *buzz*. I personally like the Bat Phone. lol gt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EPDM Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 ... as if the 2 major players in this field (Sony-ericsson & Nokia) aren't laughing their guts out. The bloody thing is still several months away of being in the shops and they already have a lawsuit. I doubt that this +450 euro phone (by then probably 600 euro in europe) will have any serious market penetration. Especially when you see that former hig-profile phones like the SE K750i which also have audio/cam and terefic phone functionality are being sold for about 170 euros. In fact this particular phone can be used together with your mac. Plus the bad publicity Apple received due to bad assembly quality of their products will seriously undermine their credibiltiy. Not to mention the fact that some ppl are NOT happy with iPod (+iTunes). Of which I am one ... and yes, the fact that I can't copy my music back to my PC through itunes from the ipod is one thing, changing the output from headphone to aux whereby the ipod doesn't produce ANY sound aftyer swithing cables is another reason. I've had it with Apple. Steve lacks any serious log-term vision. He's a greedy moron with no commercial or diplomatic sense at all in runing a business. Regards, EPDM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest goodtime Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 (edited) I've had it with Apple. Steve lacks any serious log-term vision. He's a greedy moron with no commercial or diplomatic sense at all in runing a business. I have to chime in here again and say I totally disagree. Steve Jobs is the heart and soul of Apple. He pulled Apple out of the brink of extinction starting with the iMac and Mac OS X. Even non-technies already know about the iPhone. Current Cell and Smart phones are crippled with crappy software. My wife has a Motorola Razor and hates it. She says it's too hard to use. Apple will get it right with its ease of use. It's going to be a huge success. Wait and see. gt Edited January 11, 2007 by goodtime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
REVENGE Posted January 11, 2007 Author Share Posted January 11, 2007 I have to chime in here again and say I totally disagree. Steve Jobs is the heart and soul of Apple. He pulled Apple out of the brink of extinction starting with the iMac and Mac OS X. Even non-technies already know about the iPhone. Current Cell and Smart phones are crippled with crappy software. My wife has a Motorola Razor and hates it. She says it's too hard to use. Apple will get it right with its ease of use. It's going to be a huge success. Wait and see. gt Still doesn't not make him a greedy {censored}. XD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBK.Xscape Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 well at least apple holds the trademark for it in the UK and Australia:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greenman100 Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 I've had it with Apple. Fair enough. Steve lacks any serious log-term vision. "Long" term, you mean? This is debatable, although I'd say pulling the company out of bankrupcy and increasing stock price 900% is decent. He's a greedy moron not sure why you say this, note he has a $1/year salary. with no commercial or diplomatic sense at all in runing a business. Okay, clearly you've lost it here. If he has no business sense, how do you explain this: AAPL $6.90 01/24/03 AAPL $97.00 01/10/07 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest goodtime Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 (edited) Still doesn't not make him a greedy {censored}. XD I agree. Long live Apple and the iPhone or whatever it will be called after the dust settles. I like it. And will proabably get one. I have no doubt that the iPods will be converted over next to a bigger touch screen interface. I only hope Apple offers an Xcode Developer kit for creating iPhone Applications. Custom iPhone apps will be awesome like a hand held IRC Chat program. Stuff like that will be nice. Looks like I know what I will be planning on getting myself next Christmas. I know it's early but hey, it's nice to wish for things. Ever since the iPod 1st came out, it has been a big Christmas seller. The iPhone and any revised iPod's will be no different. Maybe Apple will finally sell a cool tabletPC one day based on its new technology. Newton was before it's time. The company is strong right now and I'd expect many new Mac spin off products coming this year and next year from Apple. gt Edited January 11, 2007 by goodtime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest goodtime Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 AAPL $6.9001/24/03 AAPL $97.00 01/10/07 If I am not mistaken, Apple's stock split at least 2 times since Jobs came back to Apple. I think the Company is healthy and has a bright future. gt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Takuro Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 The irony of all this is that people were shocked on Tuesday to hear that it was being introduced as the "iPhone," despite Cisco's own iPhone product, and came to the conclusion that Apple had miraculously made some sort of last-minute deal. Even Leo Laporte expressed a lot of confusion about this only a few minutes after coming out of the keynote. Now we find out that Apple seems to have boldly taken this name without any discussions with Cisco at all. As long as Apple clings to the name, Cisco will undoubtedly get something out of this. This could be a big mistake on Apple's part. After the keynote, a lot of people are extremely hyped over this product. Now, Cisco knows they basically have Apple in an arm-lock, able to squeeze whatever demands they want while Apple appeases them to get the product released on time. It's the wrong lawsuit at the wrong time. "Apple Phone," anyone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbz Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 it will remain iPhone and Apple will settle this out of court, methinks. First of all, the name itself is completely associated with Apple (a super-strong brand & "cool company"), the iPod (a super-strong brand and great product), and even at this early stage, the revolutionary phone itself. It has gained global mass-market appeal and nobody even has one yet. They'd be nuts to change it now, especially after mililons upon MILLIONS of people around the globe love it and at the very least already recognize it. In many respects, the iPhone is already a brand of its own, just because of the media coverage and exposure it has recieved. -Urby Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Takuro Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 Right, Urby. But arguing that the name "iPhone" sounds "Apple-ish" won't exactly be enough to win a court case. If they do settle out of court, like I said: Cisco has Apple by the balls. Whatever monetary amount or demand they make, Apple has no choice but to either comply or face a delay on the product. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aberracus Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 From DRM: "First of all, who cares what this is called? Apple could call it the Apple Phone. It could call it "French Canadian Genitalia" or even "the Hebrew Profanity" and still sell it. Nobody is looking for a product named the iPhone, they're looking for Apple's iPhone that works as it was demonstrated. Second, trademarks are only useful if they are protected. That's why Cisco is falling all over itself to issue a flurry of press releases indicating that Apple will be agreeing to pay it for use of the name. However, the iPhone name isn't associated with Cisco's Linksys products, its associated with Apple. Further, Cisco has been sitting on the name for years without using it, which wouldn't help its rather fragile case for owing the term. If Cisco had built a reputable brand upon the iPhone name (which it only recently applied to a Linksys VoIP phone set) then it might seem reasonable that Apple should pick another name or license the term. But it hasn't. Cisco used the name like a submarine patent in an attempt to hijack interest surrounding Apple's mobile phone. Anyone unglued about the name of this product is seriously logic impaired. It doesn't even matter in the slighte".. and steve is some genius really, from 6 to 96... unbelievable Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mebster Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 (edited) I'm a big fan of Apple. But I for one hope cisco does some serious damage to Apple. The issue was known well in advance and the two were even in negation. Then they broke apart and next thing cisco new Apple has released iPhone. Sounds more like Apple didn't care much of what cisco though and that sounds more like it's heading in the MS direction. The fact that cisco was willing to share the name shows their willing ness to make it work. They even drafted an agreement which Apple failed to sign. Also just because Apple has the successful iPod, it shouldn't mean that no one is allowed to come out with a product with the letter "i" attached at the front. So cisco has every right to holding onto the iPhone. I hope this teaches Apple a serious lesson. Edited January 12, 2007 by AcePlayer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandmanfvrga Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 I don't see all this Apple and Jobs bashing. Is it just me or when Apple does something new and great, everybody just can't f***ing stand it? I don't see all this other than people just don't want others to succeed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest goodtime Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 (edited) I finally watched the entire iPhone keynote. It rocks. I am getting one. It's a yes. A few weeks ago, I returned a monitor from Dell that I did not like. Waiting for the money and will put that money towards an Apple iPhone. So it will be like getting the Phone just $200-300 bucks instead of $600. I will probably sell some more stuff on eBay and get the phone by June. This is the video music internet email phone that I have been waiting for. This is it! And boy, this makes the Zune look really bad as in bad. The iPhone from Apple Inc. is awesome! gt Edited January 12, 2007 by goodtime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest goodtime Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 (edited) Also just because Apple has the successful iPod, it shouldn't mean that no one is allowed to come out with a product with the letter "i" attached at the front. So cisco has every right to holding onto the iPhone. I hope this teaches Apple a serious lesson. Apple's 1st product was iMac followed by iLife and iPod. I am sure Apple's lawyers saw a reason not the sign the document and they are probably confident going to court. Cisco had acquired the name through buying another company and they did not do anything with the name until a month ago. Apple has been working on the iPhone for two years according to the keynote. This will be interesting to see what comes out but I don't think Cisco can or will damage Apple at this point. There are too many other players involved: Google, Yahoo!, Cingular and AT&T. I am sure it will come down to Cisco getting a royalty if anything. Apple's iPhone is so distinctive and different. I don't think anyone will confuse the Linksys IPhone with the Apple iPhone. gt Edited January 12, 2007 by goodtime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtwh20 Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 don't see all this Apple and Jobs bashing. Is it just me or when Apple does something new and great, everybody just can't f***ing stand it? I don't see all this other than people just don't want others to succeed. this is the same kick'em when thier up attitude that has been a plague to Microsoft for years. People love the underdog but hate the one who succeeds... Also don't forget who bailed Apple out in the late 90's - Microsoft infused millions into Apple as it was on the brink of disapearing all together Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest goodtime Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 (edited) this is the same kick'em when thier up attitude that has been a plague to Microsoft for years. People love the underdog but hate the one who succeeds... Also don't forget who bailed Apple out in the late 90's - Microsoft infused millions into Apple as it was on the brink of disapearing all together And Steve Jobs was responsible to making that happen. Without Steve, Apple would have went bankrupt. It was good that Microsoft was able to help Apple in the time of need. After all M$ created Windows after looking at Steve's 1st Mac. But now Apple can stand on its own two feet and once again M$ is copying Apple with Vista and the Zune. This time, I hope Apple can hold it's current marketshare, gain in new areas and continue to create superior mainstream consumer products of choice. If Apple continues on this path, I am penciling in a Mac Pro or MacBook Pro for my next computer. And I am already in line for an iPhone or whatever it will be called after the lawsuit is settled. Apple's new phone is something that I can't pass up this time around. I really hope there will be a way to create custom Applications for it. As a developer, that would be really nice. gt Edited January 12, 2007 by goodtime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest goodtime Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 (edited) http://money.cnn.com/2007/01/12/magazines/...sion=2007011214 http://www.computerworld.com/blogs/node/4347 http://opinion.zdnet.co.uk/comment/0,10000...39285449,00.htm iPhone war: more than just a nameThe court fight that erupted this week between Apple and Cisco is no ordinary trademark dispute. It's one battle in a long war over the future of phone calls. Edited January 12, 2007 by goodtime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mebster Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 this is the same kick'em when thier up attitude that has been a plague to Microsoft for years. People love the underdog but hate the one who succeeds... Exactly, i'm a underdog supporter. I tend to hate large organisations such as Microsoft and Apple is almost there. So I say go Cisco. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
denisvj Posted January 14, 2007 Share Posted January 14, 2007 this is funny ( new funtions for the iphoe ) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xXNoB3t8vM&eurl= Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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