According to latest reports, it would appear that Apple have lost their legal dispute with a company in China who own the iPad trademark in the country.
Apple now have little choice but to call their extremely successful tablet device something else in China, or face having to pay a very hefty fine of about $1.5 billion if they intend on using the iPad name.
Apparently, Apple had previously purchased the trademarked name from the company that owned the “iPad” name; however the Shenzhen Municipal Intermediate People’s Court has decided that the transfer of the trademark that took place back in 2000 was invalid.
The iPad brand is recognised around the world, so for Apple to be required to sale the iPad under a different brand name may be bad news for the Cupertino Company – so, they may decide to pay the fine (it’s not as if they can’t afford it) and continue selling the tablet in China. Although, being such as successful product for Apple, they may decide that rebranding the iPad for the Chinese market may not present too much of a problem due to the fact that it’s such as well-known product.
what would you do? Let us know your thoughts on our comments below or via our @Gadget_Helpline Twitter page or Official Facebook group.