Apple, Proview in active talks to settle Chinese iPad suit
updated 10:55 am EDT, Fri April 20, 2012
Companies may be at detente over iPad trademark
Apple and Proview are in active settlement talks regarding their iPad trademark dispute, a lawyer for the latter party tells IDG News. Ma Dongxiao has, however, refused to offer any more details. The Higher People’s Court of Guangdong Province is currently deliberating on the case, but earlier this week recommended mediation, in keeping with Chinese law that allows for such talks before a ruling is handed down.
A settlement may be most favorable to Apple. Although Apple insists that it already bought the rights to the Chinese iPad trademark in 2009, it may ready to simply end the conflict and ensure that sales continue without any more confiscations or legal barriers. Proview by contrast needs the money to help pay off debts, and anything short of a trial victory might be insufficient; it is believed to owe creditors as much as $400 million.
Grizzled Veteran
Joined: Oct 1999
Wait a minute...
Why don't Apple just play the waiting game until Proview go bankrupt? It would then be up to the liquidators to figure out who, if anyone, other than Apple might have title to the iPad name.