Apple and Proview Battle Over iPad Trademark in Shanghai

Apple and Proview faced off over the iPad trademark in a Shanghai court today, reports Reuters.

Proview lawyers argued, at times emotionally, that an immediate halt of iPad sales be implemented in China's commercial hub, which is the home to three of the country's five Apple stores.


Apple, in turn, argued that it had already bought the trademark rights from Proview and noted that continued sale of the iPad could not damage from Proview.

"Proview has no product, no markets, no customers and no suppliers. It has nothing," Hu Jinnan, a partner at Guangdong Shendadi law firm, which is representing Apple in the case, told the court.

"Apple has huge sales in China. Its fans line up to buy Apple products. The ban, if executed, would not only hurt Apple sales but it would also hurt China's national interest."

The Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Court expected to make a decision soon; however, Apple will still be able to appeal the ruling.


Proview is no doubt looking for a win here in order to strengthen its negotiating position with Apple. It is reportedly seeking $2 billion in damages.