Apple threatens Proview with defamation lawsuit

Proview, the Chinese company who claims it has ownership of the iPad trademark, won another small victory over the weekend.

Proview has approached the courts to intervene and the latest skirmish saw the People’s Intermediate Court in Huizhou barring local retailer Sundan from selling iPads.

This is the most recent in a string of small victories Proview have achieved against Apple in China, though Apple is preparing to fight back in a big way.

Apple insists that it purchased the iPad trademark in China from Proview years ago, and it is threatening to sue the company for defamation. Apple is also targeting Proview founder Yang Rongshan saying that he has provided misleading and false information against it.

“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,” according to a letter sent by Apple to Yang.

“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 letter continued.

Read the full story over at: All Things D.