Apple’s forthcoming tablet has been called many things – the Apple Tablet, the iSlate, the iTablet – but it seems its fighting hard for another name. Apple has filed multiple requests to gain control of the ‘iPad’ trademark. The name is currently controlled by Fujitsu which uses it for a small device used in US retail stores.
Apple is well on the way to controlling the iPad trademark in Europe, Canada and Hong Kong but Fujitsu’s use of the name in America is a small stumbling block.
However, Fujitsu did not finish the original trademark claim process in 2003 and that error means Apple can still dispute its claim to the iPad name.
Apple has been working on getting hold of the iPad name for some time. Its first request was submitted in September 2009 with another following in October.
Now Apple has been granted a third request which extends the trademark fight with Fujitsu until February 28. But with the Apple Tablet event on January 27, it could simply be trying to get hold of the name rather than planning to name the new product iPad.
If Apple hasn’t secured the iPad name outright, there’s every chance it could opt for one of the many other names floating around in the ether – iSlate, iTablet or even simply Apple Tablet.
Could this all be part of Apple’s usual distraction tactics with an entirely different name set to be unveiled? We’ll know on Wednesday but in the meantime try our ultimate guide to Apple Tablet rumours.
Due TBA | £TBA | Apple (via TheNextWeb)
