Apple introduced its new iPhone device Tuesday without informing Cisco Systems whether it had accepted a licensing agreement to use the name Cisco owns. Apple is calling its new three-in-one device by that name, and on [url=http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/the_iphone_is_here_from_ciscos_linksys]Dec. 18[/url] Cisco’s Linksys divisionintroduced a new line of VoIP devices, including handsets, and they’re calling the line the iPhone.

Cisco obtained the iPhone trademark in 2000 after completing the acquisition of Infogear, which previously owned the mark and sold iPhone products for several years. Infogear’s original filing for the trademark dates to March 20, 1996. Linksys, a division of Cisco, has been shipping a new family of iPhone products since early last year.

"Cisco entered into negotiations with Apple in good faith after Apple repeatedly asked permission to use Cisco’s iPhone name," says Mark Chandler, senior vice president and general counsel, Cisco, in a press release. "There is no doubt that Apple’s new phone is very exciting, but they should not be using our trademark without our permission. Today’s iPhone is not tomorrow’s iPhone. The potential for convergence of the home phone, cell phone, work phone and PC is limitless, which is why it is so important for us to protect our brand."

With its lawsuit, Cisco is seeking injunctive relief to prevent Apple from copying Cisco’s iPhone trademark. See our [url=http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/whats_in_name_when_its_the_iphone_a_lot/]earlier report[/url] for details

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