Apple and Amazon have both agreed to end their debate over the term “app store”.
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, however, has now decided that it no longer wants to pursue the case. “We no longer see a need to pursue our case,” Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet said. “With more than 900,000 apps and 50 billion downloads, customers know where they can purchase their favorite apps.” Oh snap.
U.S. District Judge Phyllis Hamilton dismissed the trial today at the request of both companies, leaving Amazon free to use “appstore”.
Amazon also commented on the decision, “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.”
