James Delahunty
9 Mar 2012 21:32
Proview targets distributors.
The company claims to own the rights to the iPad trademark in China, and is currently engaged in a court battle with Apple Inc. over the sale of iPads in the country. Apple is appealing a court decision that sided with Proview, with a decision expected from the Higher People's Court in Guangzhou within the next few weeks.
Proview isn't waiting on the court however. It fired off a letter to distributors in China, warning them about the consequences of selling the Apple product in the region.
"Anybody who continues to do so will be seen as intentionally infringing rights and the company will adopt the most severe measures by taking legal action," the company said in an open letter to distributors.
According to Chinese media, Proview is seeking up to 10 billion yuan ($1.6 billion) in compensation from Apple for trademark infringement, and has indicated that it would favour an out of court settlement.