Shockingly enough, Apple isn’t down with Amazon’s claim that the term “app store” is generic, and recently denied such a claim during the ongoing tiff between the two application providers. Amazon argues that the term “app store” is generic, and when the words are put together, they signify a store where one can buy and download applications.
“Apple denies that, based on their common meaning, the words ‘app store’ together denote a store for apps,” said Apple in a federal court filing. Other businesses such as Microsoft and Google have found a different way to brand their application stores, with terms like Windows Marketplace or Android Market. Because “app store” is not a commonly used term by similar businesses, Apple maintains that the non-generic term “app store” is an infringement on Apple’s trademark.
Back in March, shortly after the launch of the Amazon Appstore for Android, Apple sought a court order to stop Amazon from using the term “App Store” for its application portal. Amazon fought back with an April 26 court filing, arguing that the words, when together, are a generic term that Apple has no exclusive rights over.
As of now, this is far from over. It doesn’t look like either party is anywhere closer to backing down, while both have the resources necessary to keep the fight going. However, if Apple should get the win, Amazon will likely have to start brainstorming for a new name.
[via Bloomberg]
