Canadian Apple iPhone Trademark Problems

It seems that the iPhone is facing some problems with its launch plans in Canada. The dispute between Apple Inc. and Toronto-based Comwave Telecom Inc. over the Canadian trademark rights to the name "iPhone" has yet to be resolved, adding another barrier to the launch of Apple's next-generation handheld device in Canada.

Comwave, which markets a collection of voice-over-internet services and products under the name iPhone, has filed its opposition with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, or CIPO, to Apple's trademark application for the proposed use of a handheld and mobile device called the iPhone in Canada.

The dispute, currently under review, could further delay the Canadian arrival of the Apple iPhone — a handset with a touchscreen interface, sleek design and both Wi-Fi and cellular service that has already sold over one million units in the United States since its launch in June. It will hit store shelves in Britain and Germany in time for the holiday season.

The biggest stumbling block to the Apple iPhone launch in Canada remains a lack of a deal with a phone carrier, and so far no deal has been reached between Apple and Rogers Wireless, which is the only Canadian provider using the GSM (Global System Mobile) communications standard needed to run the iPhone. Before a deal could be reached, however, Apple would also need to secure the rights to the name "iPhone."