Apple takes Amazon to court over “Appstore”

Amazon.com is being sued by Apple for trademark infringement and unfair competition, and the bone of contention is the use of the term "Appstore."

In its complaint Apple has asked the US District Court for the Northern California District to order Amazon to stop using the term ''Appstore'' to refer to its Google Android Market alternative, which launched yesterday.

In its complaint Apple wrote, "Amazon has begun improperly using Apple's App Store mark in connection with Amazon's mobile software developer program." Amazon had dropped hints of launching its own service to sell apps for the Android platform, and in January asked developers to begin submitting apps for what it calls the Amazon Appstore for Android.

According to the lawsuit, Apple said it asked Amazon to stop the use of the term ''Appstore'' for its store three times. Apple spokesperson Kristin Huguet told Bloomberg News that it had asked Amazon not to copy the App Store name as it would confuse and mislead customers.

Responding to allegation, Mary Osako, a spokeswoman for Amzaon said the company had a long-standing practice of not commenting on pending litigation. 

According to analysts, Apple's trademark for the words "App Store" does seem generic and should have been made available for competitors to use as well.