Apple shaken to core by China trademark spat

Tuesday 14th February 2012

A Chinese company is seeking a legal injunction to block shipments of Apple’s iPad both into and out of Mainland China.

If the legal request succeeds, it could have a hugely damaging impact on Apple’s sales.

Proview Technology has been locked in the long-running battle with Apple over ownership of the iPad trademark in China. 

Based in Shenzen, a major city in southern China’s Guangdong Province, Proview registered the iPad name in various countries before Apple launched its hugely popular tablet computer.

Last December, Proview won an initial judgement in a Chinese court in Shenzen, which ruled that Apple did not hold the iPad trademark in China. Apple has appealed against the Chinese court’s decision.

The current ruling means that Apple cannot sell its iPad in Mainland China.

However, in a new twist, Proview Technology has filed a request with Chinese Customs to block not only the import of Apple iPads but also the export of Apple iPads manufactured in China shipped outside its borders on trademark grounds.

Proview registered the iPad trademark in China in 2001 and says it uses the name on some of its products.

The Chinese company, which is struggling with financial problems, is said to be seeking around $1.6 billion (£1 billion) in compensation from Apple for trademark infringement.

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