iCloud Communications Files Suit Against Apple Over 'iCloud' Name
As reported by The Next Web, a company by the name of iCloud Communications has filed suit against Apple, alleging infringement over the company's new iCloud service. Apple of course acquired the iCloud.com domain name from Swedish company Xcerion and undoubtedly assisted that company in rebranding its cloud-based services as CloudMe, but Apple apparently did not engage iCloud Communications in any sort of discussions surrounding the name.Specifically, iCloud Communications is claiming that Apple's heavy promotion of the iCloud product is damaging to its business and has all but removed the branding of the name from itself and placed it onto Apple.
To make matters somewhat worse, there's some accusation that Apple's services are nearly identical to the ones being offered by iCloud Communciations.The suit seeks an injunction barring Apple from using the iCloud name, destruction of all promotional materials and other items bearing reference to Apple's iCloud service, and monetary damages including forfeiture of profits obtained using the iCloud name.
Unlike Xcerion, iCloud Communications does not appear to hold any registered U.S. trademarks related to the iCloud name. Trademarks are not, however, required to be registered, although registration conveys substantial benefits toward protecting those marks.
http://www.macrumors.com/2011/06/10/icloud-communications-files-suit-against-apple-over-icloud-name/
