Settlement with Apple likely resolution

Fresh off a successful defense against a related Apple lawsuit, Proview Technology is trying to block iPad sales by suing Apple resellers in southern China, says the Financial Times. Currently Proview is targeting vendors in Shenzhen and Huizhou. "We are starting with these two cities, and if we are successful in getting iPad sales stopped, we will consider going after Apple resellers elsewhere in China," says Xie Xianghui, a lawyer working with Grandall, one of the lawfirms acting on behalf of Proview.

An initial case will be heard in the Shenzhen Futian District Court on December 30th, while another is scheduled for January 7th at the Huizhou Intermediate People’s Court. Apple may choose to appeal the outcome of its lawsuit however, which could put Proview's efforts in jeopardy. Regardless Apple could try offering a settlement, which Proview may be tempted to take, given financial problems and the fact that it isn't actively trying to sell a product with the "IPAD" name.

Proview originally tried to sell a tablet computer in 2000, and registered trademarks for IPAD in regions around the world. Proview Electronics sold Apple a "global trademark" for the name in 2006 at a cost approaching $55,000, but since then Apple and Proview have disputed whether the agreement included China. In 2010 Apple applied to have two Chinese trademarks transferred to its name before it started selling the iPad, but was denied because of Proview Technlogy's ownership, prompting the lawsuit.

By Electronista Staff