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New fight between Microsoft and Apple for the term ‘App Store’

by Tug Agency | 12.01.2011
Microsoft has asked the U.S. Patent and Trademark office to refuse Apple the right of ownership for the term ‘app store’, arguing that it is a generic term of common use. Other mobile platforms also have online stores but the name ‘App Store’ belongs to Apple.

With rumors indicating the release of the iPad 2 and the deal with Verizon for the iPhone 4 almost done, Apple now has to face the setback that comes from a new dispute with Microsoft. Microsoft has placed a complaint in the U.S. Patent and Trademark office for Apple to lose ownership of the term ‘app store’.

Apple registered the term ‘app store’ back in 2008, when it launched its first 3G iPhone. It was a website where users could buy applications for their iPhones.