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Apple, Cisco Settle iPhone Dispute

Apple Inc. and Cisco agreed to kiss and make up over the use of the iPhone trademark on Wednesday. The deal allows both companies to use the name for their products throughout the world, and the two sides will "explore opportunities for interoperability in the areas of security, and consumer and enterprise communications."

All pending actions regarding the use of the iPhone trademark are being dismissed. Additional terms of the agreement are not being disclosed.

Cisco filed a suit against Apple claiming trademark infringement after the announcement of the iPhone during Macworld Expo 2007 in January. Both companies had been negotiating the use of the trademarked name under Cisco's control prior to Macworld Expo, but Apple broke off the talks shortly before announcing its iPod/cell phone device.

After Cisco filed its case against Apple, both companies returned to the negotiation table in an effort to avoid moving forward into the court room. The talks were extended beyond the original deadline of February 15 to February 21 when an agreement couldn't be reached.

The deal allows both sides to move forward with their respective products - for Apple, its iPod and cell phone device; and for Cisco, its VoIP phone.

So far, many have viewed the iPhone as more of a consumer product. By agreeing to work together, Cisco may bring an added level of credibility to Apple's iPhone in the enterprise market. In return, Cisco gets to keep its trademark.

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A guest said: (hide)

Glad they settled... one less lawsuit for Apple to worry about.

Now does anyone have speculation on what "explore opportunities for interoperability in the areas of security, and consumer and enterprise communications" could mean?

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Bosco said:

member since 03 Jun 2002 with 1002 posts, unranked, send him a message or view his profile

Guest wrote:
Now does anyone have speculation on what "explore opportunities for interoperability in the areas of security, and consumer and enterprise communications" could mean?

Yes, it simply means that Cisco is Apple's bitch.

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Jonkun227 said:

member since 02 Mar 2004 with 238 posts, unranked, send him a message or view his profile

Bosco wrote:
Guest wrote:
Now does anyone have speculation on what "explore opportunities for interoperability in the areas of security, and consumer and enterprise communications" could mean?

Yes, it simply means that Cisco is Apple's bitch.

Clarification: Apple's newest bitch.

It says to me that Steve pointed out that Apple's iPhone marks the beginning of the next generation of mobile technology, and that Cisco's iPhone would have been dead in a matter of months with or without Apple's announcement. But, by working "together" Cisco can have a piece of Apple's pie, and Apple can benefit from Cisco's experience with secure communications.

- Jon

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stuartea said:

member since 08 Aug 2005 with 327 posts, unranked, send him a message or view his profile

It'll never last

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brett_x said:

member since 24 Jan 2006 with 322 posts, unranked, send him a message or view his profile

Oh look! A happy ending! I'm so surprised!

http://www.macobserver.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=51485&highlight=

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