Apple to sue bankrupt Proview over iPad trademark kerfuffle

Apple is threatening to sue Proview, the bankrupt firm that once held the iPad trademark.

The two companies have been squabbling back and forth over the past few weeks over which actually held the right to the iPad name in China.

Proview, which is headquartered in China, saw a Taiwanese subsidiary sell the iPad trademark to Apple in 2001. However, the parent company claimed the transaction was invalid. Earlier this month, Proview sued Apple, asking the court to ban iPad sales in China and demanding an apology from Apple, as well as a hefty fine.

After a Chinese court upheld Apple’s right to use the iPad name in the country, Apple is now considering bringing a defamation lawsuit against Proview for the latter company’s actions and communications with mainstream and tech press outlets.

In a letter to Proview founder Yang Rongshan, Apple’s attorneys write, “It is inappropriate to release information contrary to the facts to the media, especially when such disclosures have the effect of wrongfully causing damage to Apple’s reputation.

“Making misrepresentations in the press to inflame the situation is adversely affecting the interests of the parties in seeking any resolution of the matter. On behalf of Apple, we formally reserve all rights to take further legal action against any individuals and entities for any damages that may result from defamatory statements and unlawful actions intended to wrongfully interfere with Apple’s business and business relationships.”

The full contents of the letter are below:

[hat tip: All Things D]