Friday 21 January 2011

Microsoft Aims to Block 'App Store' Trademark

Microsoft Aims to Block 'App Store' Trademark

Tensions between Microsoft and Apple escalate to a new front, with the software giant asking the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to reject Apple's bid to trademark the phrase "app store."
It's hardly a secret that there's no love lost between Microsoft and Apple. The two companies have long engaged in a more or less public feud, sniping at each other in advertisements, product launches and comments to the media.
The latest front is the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, where Apple is seeking to trademark the term, "App Store," which it originally coined upon the launch of its marketplace for third-party software applications for the iPhone.
Not so fast, says Microsoft. The software giant has asked the Patent Office to deny Apple's trademark filing, arguing that the term has become common parlance among all purveyors of third-party applications.
"An 'app store' is an 'app store.' Like 'shoe store' or 'toy store,' it is a generic term that is commonly used by companies, governments, and individuals that offer apps," said Microsoft's associate general counsel for trademarks.

TAGS: Apple, Microsoft, app store, trademark, mobile apps

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