Android porn store latest trademark target for Apple

23 Mar 2011

Apple has issued a cease and desist order to Android-based adult service MiKandi over its use of the term ‘Apps Store’ in the latest salvo, after filing a suit this week against Amazon for the use of the term Apps Store.

Mikandi is the second download service after Amazon this week to face the ire of Apple in defence of its trademarked Apps Store, according to AppleInsider.

Apple filed a lawsuit against Amazon over the use of the word ‘App Store’ in time for the launch of the retailer’s online mobile software store. Apple accused Amazon of infringing its trademark and aims to prevent it from using the ‘App Store’ name, along with requesting damages.

The lawsuit stated Amazon used the ‘App Store’ title from the beginning of 2011 to advertise the fact mobile game Angry Birds Rio will be available from its store in the future. Apple said Amazon used the App Store name to “unfairly solicit software developers” to create apps for its online store and that, by using the term ‘App Store’, Amazon would “confuse and mislead customers.”

I say tomato, you say …

According to GeekWire, MiKandi co-founder Jesse Adams has no plans to take on Apple’s legal department by itself but is considering supporting Microsoft’s efforts.

Microsoft has asked the US Patents and Trademark Office to deny Apple ownership of the ‘App Store’ on the grounds that it is too generic.

In retort a few weeks ago, Apple said the same principle should therefore be applied to Microsoft’s ‘Windows’ because that is a generic term like ‘Doors’ or ‘Tables’.

The saga continues …

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com