Cisco Offers to License 'iPhone' Name to Apple

By Scott M. Fulton, III | Published January 9, 2007, 3:04 PM

A representative of Cisco Systems, which acquired the iPhone trademark by way of its Linksys division having acquired Infogear in 2000, told BetaNews this afternoon that it is offering to license its trademark for Apple's use, and has drawn up papers to that end.

"Given Apple's numerous requests to use the iPhone trademark, and extensive discussions with them," the representative told BetaNews, "it is our belief that with their announcement today, Apple intends to agree to the final documents and public statements that were distributed to them last night, and that addressed the last few remaining items. We expect to receive a signed agreement today."

The phrase "last few remaining items" implies that discussions between the two companies have been ongoing. Up until as late as this morning, press sources had begun distributing Web pages referring to Apple's "PodPhone," including with regard to its deal with Cingular Wireless.

Apple stock value has risen 7.4% in late afternoon trading Tuesday.

Comments

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Who do we believe? This article says Cisco has filed a federal lawsuit against Apple.

http://www.breitbart.com...07/01/10/D8MIN5CO0.html

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If it is infact trademarked Apple will lose this big time or buy it from them.

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Not if Cisco, y'know, hasn't enforced its copyright. Given the amount of devices named iPhone out there... Apple has a case that Cisco has effectively surrendered its copyright due to non-enforcement.

The fact that they're now offering to license the name so soon after filing a lawsuit is indicative of the strength of Apple's position.

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I read the price tag was starting at $499 to as high as $699.

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Dude...on the licensing deal, not the phone.

Gawd...

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I would *love* to see the pricetag on this.

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Why don't they just trademark the letter "i" :P

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90%-95% of high tech companies are suing each other for what ever reason - delusions of grandeur or eloquence, patents, employees defecting...

This is a gallant gesture from Cisco, and it's almost extinct in the high-tech world.

Impressive!

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Wonder how much money Cisco is asking for their "gallantery"?

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I wouldn't say Cisco is almost extinct, but they aren't as big as they used to be for sure.

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