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As I am sure you are aware, Apple played a dangerous game when it launched it’s new must-have device, the iPhone. Cisco, not exactly small fry, own the trademark for ‘iphone’, having launched their range of internet phones some time ago. In fact, Cisco owned the trademark since 2000.

Cisco hasn’t dropped the lawsuit by any means. A joint statement from the two companies read: “Apple and Cisco have agreed to extend the time for Apple to respond to the lawsuit to allow for discussions between the companies with the aim of reaching agreement on trademark rights and interoperability.”
Apple’s original response was to state that Cisco’s action was ’silly’ and that they didn’t have a case, with several other internet phone products already in place from several companies. Apple is the first to launch a cellphone with the name.

Despite Apple’s bullish attitude, it’s hard to see how, under US law, two products of such a similar nature will be allowed to have the same name.

Apple does of course have a good record, defeating Apple Corps in the battle over entry into the music business. But I feel that it will have a bigger fight on its hands when Cisco get this case rolling for real.