Promises court cases to continue

Proview is now "preparing for negotiations" with Apple, says Xie Xianghui, a lawyer representing Proview. "The court cases will continue until we reach an agreement," he adds. While Xie has declined to go into any more detail, he does claim that Apple has expressed "peaceful intentions" in the matter. Apple has yet to publicly respond to requests for comment.

Xie's statement comes on the verge of a court hearing in Shanghai, but also after a threat from Apple suggesting that it might sue Proview for defamation over releasing "information contrary to the facts to the media." At a Friday press conference, Proview Shenzhen chairman Yang Rongshan insisted that his company does hold the Chinese rights to the iPad trademark. The executive was challenging recent evidence that could undermine Proview's position.

Apple may be willing to agree to a settlement to simply resolve the situation and avoid any further expenses. Proview has already won two court victories in mainland China, and in some cities successfully had iPad 2s pulled from shelves. Apple continues to cite a victory in a Hong Kong court, but the difference between the mainland and Hong Kong legal systems may render it moot. Proview could demand as much as $2 billion if it succeeds in suing Apple.

By Electronista Staff