Apple threatens SA company over domains

Apple, via its local attorneys Adams&Adams, has demanded the transfer of various domains into its name, including iPad.co.za, AppleLaptop.co.za, and MacLaptop.co.za. This is according to The Notebook Company.

This is the second time The Notebook Company has squared off with Apple. Last year Apple required the company to remove the Apple Logo from its websites.

“The company duly adhered to this demand and had it replaced with the word Apple,” said The Notebook Company.

“We have now received another demand from Apple to transfer a number of websites, including: iPad.co.za, iPad2.co.za, iPad5.co.za, iPad6.co.za, iPad7.co.za, iPad8.co.za and iPad9.co.za,” said Christopher Riley, MD of The Notebook Company.

The demand also calls for the transfer of the AppleLaptop.co.za and MacLaptop.co.za websites.

Riley said that they will request the re-marketing of its laptop websites as Apple.Laptop.co.za and Mac.Laptop.co.za.

“With regards to the iPad.co.za and iPad (values).co.za domains, these have been created as a blog for iPad.co.za users – and updates them with the latest news in relation to iPads,” said Riley.

“I understand that the iPad name is a trademark, which I have no rights over. But a site like www.iPad.co.za also lends value to Apple itself, and to the iPad community.”

Riley said it is ironic that the domain name www.iPad.com has been standing vacant for years. “It seems odd that Apple has done nothing to secure it – and to add value to its clients, via it,” said Riley.

Adams&Adams was asked for comment on the issue, but they did not respond by the time of publication.

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