23 June 2011, 14:55

Apple serves cease and desist on open source startup

Open source home server software creator Amahi has been served a cease and desist order by Apple regarding Amahi's use of the term "App Store". Apple applied to register the "App Store" trademark in 2008, but has yet to complete the process as Microsoft and other companies have placed objections to Apple obtaining the mark. Apple has also taken action against Amazon in an attempt to stop it also using the "App Store" mark, though this attempt now looks likely to fail.

Amahi produces a home server system for which applications can be downloaded for free from an online store; this used the words "App Store" on the tab in its web front end. Although Amahi is interested in finding prior art for the term "App Store" and seeing the news of Apple's legal action spread, the company appears to have decided not to fight Apple but instead select a new name through a competition. Its web site already refers to the previous "App Store" as the "App Center", "App Emporium", "App Silo", "HDApp Store", "Apps Tore" and more.

(djwm)

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