Apple and Amazon have apparently buried the hatchet in the long running dispute over the phrase “App Store”. Apple has relented in its trademark suit, allowing Amazon the rights to use the term ‘app store’ in its Amazon Appstore for Android.
Since Amazon began using the name “appstore” for its Android store in March 2011, Apple had viewed it as a trademark infringement of its own “App Store”, started in 2008 with the launch of the iPhone. But Apple backed off on its suit today.
US District Court Judge Phyllis Hamilton moved to dismiss the lawsuit today, in Oakland, California after Apple filed an agreement not to pursue further suits against Amazon over its use of the name. According to Amazon lawyer, Martin Glick, “This was a decision by Apple to unilaterally abandon the case, and leave Amazon free to use ‘appstore.'”
Apple downplayed its decision to back off of the trademark claim. “We no longer see a need to pursue our case,” Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet told Reuters. “With more than 900,000 apps and 50 billion downloads, customers know where they can purchase their favorite apps.”
Amazon, not surprisingly, sounded a triumphant note. “We’re gratified that the court has conclusively dismissed this case,” Amazon spokeswoman Mary Osako said. “We look forward to continuing our focus on delivering the best possible appstore experience to customers and developers.”
[Via: Reuters]