Apple’s lawsuit against Amazon over the term “App Store” has ended. U.S. District Judge Phyllis Hamilton dismissed the trial today at the request of both companies, leaving Amazon free to use “appstore”.
Some of you may remember that back in March 2011, Apple filed a lawsuit against Amazon over the use of the term “app store”, which Amazon used in its Amazon Appstore for Android. Apple argued that when customers thought about “app store”, that they associated the term with Apple in their minds and that Amazon using this term would cause market confusion. Amazon countered that the term “app store” was so generic and common that it could be used by anyone.
Apple’s spokesperson Kristin Huguet said Apple no longer saw a need to pursue the case, noting, “With more than 900,000 apps and 50 billion downloads, customers know where they can purchase their favorite apps.” (I must admit I’m a little disappointed that she didn’t end her statement with, “Mmmm…Hmmm.. That’s right!”)
Amazon also commented on today’s decision, saying, “We’re gratified that the court has conclusively dismissed this case. We look forward to continuing our focus on delivering the best possible appstore experience to customers and developers.”
Then lawyers for both sides climbed into their Mercedes and BMWs and headed off to their summer homes for a much needed rest.
