Apple Threatens Proview With Lawsuit For Defamation

According to Associated Press, Chinese court has decided against Apple in its ongoing dispute with Proview over the trademark rights to the "iPad" in that country, ruling that distributors should cease selling iPad in China. However, the impact of the decision is unclear as it just one of several lawsuits that Proview has filed against Apple seeking to extract $2 billion for these rights.

“The ruling, which was also reported widely in China's state media, may not have a far-reaching effect. In its battle with Apple, Proview is utilizing lawsuits in several places and also requesting commercial authorities in 40 cities to block iPad sales”.

On Monday Apple said in a statement that its case is pending in mainland China and the company has appealed against an earlier ruling in favor of Proview.

Meanwhile, according to IDG News, today Apple sent a letter to Proview threatening a suit over defamation. Previously Apple had won a case over rights to "iPad" trademark in a Hong Kong court, and Apple claims that Proview has released false public statements relating to the dispute.

The letter provided by the person familiar with the matter said:

"It is inappropriate to release information contrary to the facts to the media, especially when such disclosures have the effect of wrongfully causing damage to Apple's reputation".

Last year the Hong Kong court ruled that several Proview subsidiaries cooperated in an effort to receive millions of dollar from Apple, a figure that has now increased to $1-2 billion. So far Chinese courts have sided with Proview, but Apple has continue to appeal against these decisions using Hong Kong ruling to show the strength of its case.