Technology behemoth Apple is being sued over its recent announcement and use of the iCloud name, which is what it has termed its cloud based music and file storing service. A Phoenix, Arizoma VoIP provider named iCloud has filed a suit in a US court alleging that Apple stole the name and that its use of the iCloud name causes confusion, particularly in light of the recent announcement by Apple launching the service. iCloud communications says:
The goods and services with which Apple intends to use the “iCloud” mark are identical to or closely related to the goods and services that have been offered by iCloud Communications under the iCloud Marks since its formation in 2005. However, due to the worldwide media coverage given to and generated by Apple’s announcement of its “iCloud” services and the ensuing saturation advertising campaign pursued by Apple, the media and the general public have quickly come to associate the mark “iCloud” with Apple, rather than iCloud Communications.
While iCloud Communications may have a point, it is finding itself up against one of the biggest technology and communications companies in the world, which has form for scant regard for other companies’ previous use of words and terms that it then appropriates. Apple has been sued by The Beatles over its use of the term Apple Corporation, as well as by Cisco Systems for pilfering the iPhone name. The court application seeks an injunction against Apple’s using the iCloud name, as well as an unspecified but no doubt hefty amount of monetary compensation.
