Apple resolves that 'app store' doesn't belong to anyone
The Apple App Store turns 5-years-old this week and, as if to celebrate the landmark, the company has agreed to let bygones be bygones and end a long running trademark suit with rival Amazon.
After vociferously contesting Amazon's decision to also call its Android platform the 'Amazon Appstore for Android' Apple has decided that the legal wrangling isn't worth the hassle and agreed to let Amazon use the term too.
As Reuters reports, Apple seems happy with its position as the dominant, most expansive app retailer and, judging by its statement following the dismissal of the case, it doesn't see Amazon as too much of a threat.
Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet said: "We no longer see a need to pursue our case. With more than 900,000 apps and 50 billion downloads, customers know where they can purchase their favourite apps."
Naturally, Amazon is also claiming the dismissal of the case, which was scheduled to go to trial in August, as a big victory.
Martin Glick Amazon's counsel said: "This was a decision by Apple to unilaterally abandon the case, and leave Amazon free to use 'appstore.'"
Amazon spokeswoman Mary Osako added: "We're gratified that the court has conclusively dismissed this case.
"We look forward to continuing our focus on delivering the best possible appstore experience to customers and developers."
When Amazon launched its rival store in March 2011, Apple immediately filed suit, alleging Amazon had infringed upon an Apple trademark and accused the retailer of false advertising, although that aspect of the case was dismissed in January.
Is this a sign, along with giving out a host of high-profile apps as birthday freebies, that the App Store is going soft in its old age?
Could it be that the company is finally growing tired of fighting legal battles while its profits continue to slow? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Via CNET
