Apple Keeps iPad Trademark Win Against Website Owner on Appeal

Apple Inc.'s trademark infringement victory against a website operator that used the “ipad” name before Apple released its tablet was affirmed by the Fourth Circuit on Thursday.

RXD Media LLC created ipad.mobi in 2007, after Apple had released “i-products” including the iMac, iPod, and iTunes. Apple released its iPad in 2010, and applied for federal trademarks covering the name. RXD filed to register its own “ipad” trademarks shortly after and opposed Apple’s applications.

In 2016, while the parties’ Trademark Trial and Appeal Board case was pending, RXD rebranded its website as “ipadtoday.com,” which prominently displayed Apple devices with RXD’s ipad ...