Since yesterday, a rumor has been circulating on the web that Apple is trying to secure the name “iPad” for its own tablet, due out next week. Although this name is already secured for use by the company in several locations, it is a fact that it will have difficulties in registering it in the United States, since Fujitsu already has an open order for it.
However, a newly created blog on tablets today released some extra information on the subject based on content registered with the US government, indicating that Apple's lawyers are preparing to try to get hold of the “iPad” brand. Three requests for the determination / renewal of a period of opposition to Fujitsu's use of it have already been accepted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the last of which is able to prevent this until February 28, when it expires.
This means that Apple is trying to prevent any other company from taking the “iPad” trademark in the US, which is probably giving it time to register and get legal approval. Still, it does nothing to define Ma's real name: as Fujitsu is an electronics manufacturer, perhaps Apple would only be interested in getting rid of potential interested in using the name “iPad” as a competitor for “ iPod ”, for example.
(via MacRumors)
