26.09.2007
“iPhone” and “Aiphone” in Japan
Apple’s market introduction of the iPhone has not been entirely easy from the trademark perspective. First, Apple was Aiphone Co., Ltd.,, Japan’s largest maker of intercoms (a company which is listed on the first section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, no less) claims that the iPhone might infringes its trademarks.
Apple is planning the market launch for the iPhone for sometime next year. So far, both companies are not willing to comment on the trademark issue. Aiphone Co., Ltd. has at least sixteen trademarks „Aiphone“ in Japan, registered for various classes, with trademarks no. 3021222 and -3 in international class 38 (telecommunications) and 3149659 and -60 in class 42 (computer software among others) probably being the most problematic for Apple.
Both AIPHONE and iPhone are pronounced aihôn in Japan. Considering the huge volume of the local cellphone market, and taking into account Apple’s success in Japan in recent years, Steve Jobs will certainly have a strong incentive to plunge into the art of Japanese negotiation techniques.
Apple, iPhone, Japan, Marken, trademarks
