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Not since Deep Throat brought down a presidency has a name been held in such high secrecy and been the subject of so much media speculation. We think we can put an end to all the hysteria surrounding the name.
iSlate? iPad? iTablet? Drumroll...and the winner is...iPad!
It has been reported that Fujitsu owns the trademark "iPad" and that would either prohibit or discourage Apple from using the mark. What has not been reported is that Apple filed requests with the US Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) several times late last year to extend the time given to oppose the trademark with the USPTO. The USPTO granted the request and extended the time to oppose to 2/28/2010 "on behalf of potential opposer Apple Inc."
The fact is that Apple has an interest in the iPad mark and is pursuing the matter with the USPTO and Fujitsu, the trademark applicant for iPad. But why?
Apple could be pursuing this on the grounds that iPad is confusingly similar to Ipod, or because Apple has settled on iPad as the name of their new game-changing tablet device. Given the timing of the filings in late 2009, we are convinced it is the latter (or a combination of both, but definitely the latter).
Of all the likely names bandied about, iPad seems the best. When breaking new ground in a new product category, it is logical to maintain an association and relationship to one of the most successful consumer products of all time, the iPod. In my opinion, iSlate is too cold and iTablet is too Microsoft for Apple. Pad is clean, short, vague enough to evolve (think pod), warmer and almost retro, as in "check out my pad" or "grab a pad and pencil" (not "grab a tablet and stylus"!).
Looking forward to January 27 and the big unveil!
Doesn't Apple file an injunction against pretty much ANYONE who uses the "i-something" format? And I still think that MadTV ruined the idea of an iPad forever. www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsjU0K8QPhs
ReplyDeleteOr they could follow the "iPod __" naming and go with iPod Pad. LOL
ReplyDeleteSorry but this is totally off the mark: Fujitsu owns the trademark on this and while Apple may succeed in stopping them from using it, there's NO WAY they are going to get legal ownership of that trademark away from them so they can use it themselves. Nice try, but no cigar.
ReplyDeletenobody uses iPads anymore, it's all about iTampons
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post idaq, but I think its very likely they use the trademark. Apple's been down this road with Cisco’s iPhone trademark, which Cisco defended aggressively. Apple was able to work out a deal with Cisco, and I’m confidnent they will do so with Fujitsu. In fact, my guess is that deal will be done before the big announcment. The fact that they are registering the iPad trademark in other countries could give them leverage in the negotiation.
ReplyDeleteInteresting discovery, but I think Apple would be leaving it a little late in the game, if they were pinning all their hopes on getting the agreement with Fujitsu to use the iPad trademark this close the unveiling - I assume that there would already be quite a lot of money invested in marketing/packaging/software etc to bet it all on whether another organisation was actually going to allow you to use one of their trademarks.
ReplyDeleteTrue Richard...which is why I assume the deal with Fujitsu is 'in the bag' already. Thanks for the comment!
ReplyDeleteWhat about iTab?? I personally am from the same camp as JMegs... iPads are bad.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this blog.. I really enjoy reading it!
ReplyDeleteRegards Apple Tablet