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A company representing Proview's creditors is planning to sue Apple (AAPL) for $2B in the U.S....

Friday, February 17, 2012, 12:24 PM ET
A company representing Proview's creditors is planning to sue Apple (AAPL) for $2B in the U.S. over the iPad trademark. At a Beijing press conference, Li Su - chairman of the creditor group - says it's in the process of choosing representation from among 3 U.S. law firms.

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This news story has 9 comments:

invictus56 Comments (4)

Well it looks like it is time to start a thermonuclear war with China.

As always a little freedom and a little familiarity are dangerous.

17 Feb 2012, 12:51 PM Reply Like

surfnspy Comments (415)

Pfffft. Ridiculous.

17 Feb 2012, 01:14 PM Reply Like

Bill West Comments (57)

Now that Apple is the confirmed big boy on the block I expect to see alot more of this BS as everyone tries to cash in on a Apple Lottery ticket farce........

Take it from me, Apple is not going to stand by for this garbage. The Chinese love the Apple product and Apple will be victorious!!

17 Feb 2012, 01:29 PM Reply Like

Star Weekly Comments (96)

Suing for only $ 2B? Ridiculous! Apple has $ 100B cash, and around $ 460B market cap. At least they should sue for $ 100B!

And make no mistake, there will be a US law firm more than willing to represent the plaintiff.

17 Feb 2012, 01:35 PM Reply Like

emperor2 Comments (71)

Here is another, albeit possibly far out, thought. What if Apple is using the removal of the iPad from Amazon in China as the first step in a way to force the hand of the Beijing government? The judicial system in China has long been known for it's lack of independence. Many times Chinese courts have been used to further the agenda of the central government. It is basically controlled by the Communist Party. Now think about this.

What if Apple is quietly talking to the Chinese hierarchy and telling them that if they lose the court case, then they won't be allowed to sell iPads in China or export them from China. If that happens, then they won't be able to manufacture the iPads in China. And if they can't manufacture iPads in China, it wouldn't make sense to manufacture any of their products in China. ALL manufacturing would have to go elsewhere. Would this be a bluff? Considering how much money and work Apple brings to China, would the Beijing government want to call that possible bluff?

At the same time, Apple could announce that, due to the overwhelming success of their products, they are looking into expanding their manufacturing capabilities, either in China or possibly into other low cost areas. It has already been announced that Apple is meeting with the head of Foxconn to discuss increasing their manufacturing capacity in China. Now what does the Chinese government do? Do they stay neutral and not worry about the outcome of the court case? Does someone from the Central government talk to the judges in the case and suggest which outcome of the case might be in the best interests of the entire country, as opposed to the best interests of just one company?

If I was Apple, I'd be talking to the Beijing hierarchy and give them something to think about. If the Chinese courts were completely independent, this would not even be an option. But the courts in China are not completely independent. The judges could probably be persuaded to rule in the best interests of the country. The judges would also know that if they didn't do what Beijing wanted, there would be quick, and possibly fatal, repercussions.

If Apple has not made contact with Beijing, they ought to do so immediately. Just a thought.

17 Feb 2012, 01:54 PM Reply Like

hermanbrut Comments (202)

Empor- You've got the scenario right. This situation is exactly why Apple's cash hoard is good to have. China doesn't own them; they've got the money to move.

17 Feb 2012, 02:41 PM Reply Like