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.
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