Apple Sues Amazon for Using the Words 'App Store'

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Posted March 21, 2011 at 7:01pm by iClarified

Apple is suing Amazon to stop them from using the words 'App Store', a term which they claim ownership of, according to a Bloomberg report.

Apple, in a complaint filed March 18 in California, accused Amazon.com of trademark infringement and unfair competition and asked for a court order to prevent the company from using the "App Store" name, as well as for unspecified damages.

"Amazon has begun improperly using Apple's App Store mark in connection with Amazon’s mobile software developer program," Apple said in the complaint. Amazon also plans to use the name with a mobile software download service

Apple has attempted to trademark the term 'App Store' three times. The first two times their application was rejected due to its descriptive nature. Apple even tried to argue that App was short for 'Apple'. The third time and 400 exhibits later the application was allowed and immediately opposed by Microsoft.

"We've asked Amazon not to copy the App Store name because it will confuse and mislead customers," said Kristin Huguet, a spokeswoman for Apple. The case is Apple Inc. v. Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN), 11-1327, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California.

Let us know what you think of this in the comments. Should Apple be allowed to trademark a term so descriptive in nature?

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Apple Sues Amazon for Using the Words 'App Store'

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Tjp - March 21, 2011 at 8:29pm

Apple essentially created the term App in the public eye. It widely became popular and somewhat replaced "Applet" as a mobile application referent. Apple should be allowed to protect "App Store" as they created the momentum to use the word and there is a required distinctness to it. The attempts these last few years to dilute its specificity have been because Apple specifically tried to protect it. Look at what happened when Apple bought a domain with "Slate" in it. Immediately at the next electronics shows before Apple announced iPad _everyone_ was talking about their upcoming "slate" devices. Tablet was gone from the vocabulary for a season. The attempt was to pre-dilute the supposed Apple mark for their tablet-ish device. Epic fail as Apple came out with iPad. Apple promotes branding as the App Store (tm) and the same thing happens.

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Rob - March 23, 2011 at 11:34pm

Apple didnt invent the word app. It's a short form for application. Making a term 'cool' doesnt mean u get to own it. By that logic there is someone out there that owns the word 'cloud'.

Sd - March 21, 2011 at 8:20pm

Can we go to suppermarket ask sale associate "can you tell me where is your app short term of APPLE" and can we ask them help us to get 3 bags of app? This would be funny how apple want to claim some thing in generic as their own name... Lol apple = app then app = application.. Should apple own these tow words too then I'll own app= apply

Dan - March 21, 2011 at 8:02pm

I agree with Apple on this one. App store has begun on Apple iPhone so therefore keep it Apple. other "app stores" are too small to even call them "app store" Good job Apple (own MacBook Air 11.6", iMac 21", MacBook, two iPhone 4 32GB, iPad 2 16GB)

Squeky - March 21, 2011 at 9:47pm

who cares what you own!

Serg - March 21, 2011 at 9:48pm

my MOM!!

Squeky - March 21, 2011 at 9:50pm

you wh0re!!

Serg - March 21, 2011 at 9:53pm

Dont call me Stupid!!

BillyBoeh - March 21, 2011 at 9:56pm

WTF!?!

Anthony - March 21, 2011 at 10:15pm

this two gonna end up married

Pineapple - March 21, 2011 at 7:12pm

I suggest we all start referring to the app store as the crapp store, as most of the apps there are...welll...crap