Apple Faces Fines In China Over iPad Trademark, Sales Ban Possible

Proview Shenzhen Technology and Apple have been locked in a legal battle over the iPad trademark in China for some time now. According to reports Proview registered the iPad trademark in 2000, six full years before Apple unveiled the iPad in 2006. Proview has urged the local administration to make a final decision on Apple’s penalty, with the formal complaint calling for US $38 million in fines. Proview also plans to seek $1.586 billion in compensation from Apple for their use of the iPad trademark. Considering the fact that Apple is indirectly one of the largest employers in Shenzhen, which is reliant on Apple monetarily should indicate just how strong Proview’s case is. Apple can still appeal the court’s ruling, but based on existing facts it would most likely lose the appeal again. Proview’s lawyers have stated they are ready for a long-term legal battle to settle the dispute; however some sources disagree pointing out Proview is trapped in a debt crisis and only using the lawsuit as a means to bail itself out. As it stands if Apple fails to win an appeal or negotiate with Proview they could face a sales ban in China on top of fines and damages.