China is a huge product marketplace especially for technology and ‘gadgets’. For Apple, China is their fastest growing market (both for sales and manufacture), however, with success comes challenges. Apple has been unable to capitalise on the potential, due to their current trade mark dispute relating to the ‘iPad’.
The long running battle with Proview in China is over Proview’s claims of ownership in the ‘iPad’ trade mark and that Apple is therefore the alleged infringer. Proview is seen as the weaker company in terms of finances but they are in no way backing out of this fight.
China’s vice-premier this week stated that the country will look to boost IP protection, which will come as a relief to Apple and other brands who suffer significant levels of infringement and counterfeiting in the area. China’s aim to improve co-operation will hopefully encourage large commercial organisations to see China as a serious opportunity for expansion.
We will follow the outcome of the case with interest.