News

Apple sues Amazon for use of term 'App store'

March 22, 2011

According to Bloomberg.com, Apple Inc. is suing Amazon.com Inc., claiming the retailer’s use of the term “App Store” is trademark infringement.

On March 18, Apple filed a complaint in a U.S. District Court in northern California, citing trademark infringement and unfair competition. Apple requested a court order to stop Amazon from using the term and 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.

Apple’s App Store offers downloads to users of its iPhones, iPods and iPad tablet computers. Apple specifically cited Amazon’s use of the trademark in its advertising of Angry Birds Rio on its website. Angry Birds is the name of a game in Apple’s App Store

“We have a long-standing practice of not commenting on pending litigation,” said Mary Osako, a spokesperson for Seattle-based Amazon.

Apple said in the lawsuit that it has applied to register App Store as a trademark in the U.S., and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office approved the application.