Apple sues Amazon over "App Store" name
A new battle among giants has broken out in the booming smartphone and tablet app market. If Apple had its way, Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, would be barred from using the name ‘Appstore.«.
In a lawsuit filed as early as Friday, according to U.S. media reports, Apple is asserting trademark rights to the name "App Store" for a software download platform. The push came just in time for the launch of Amazon's service this Tuesday. The online retailer wants to offer programs for Google's Android operating system in its "App Store", initially only for users in the USA.
Apple launched its App Store with programs for devices with the iOS operating system, such as iPhones and iPads, in 2008 and applied for trademark rights to the name. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has already granted them, but competitor Microsoft is appealing the decision. Apple has since expanded its App Store offering to include programs for its Mac computers.
Amazon calls its platform "Appstore," written as one word. Now Apple is accusing the online retailer of infringing its trademark rights and is demanding damages in an unspecified amount.
