The Arizona-based remote storage company contends that Apple iCloud copies its name, causes a business-severing identity mixup, and even offers the same services.
"The goods and services with which Apple intends to use the 'iCloud' mark are identical to or closely related to the goods and services that have been offered by iCloud Communications under the iCloud Marks since its formation in 2005," the complaint, first obtained by The Next Web, alleges. "Due to the worldwide media coverage given to and generated by Apple's announcement of its 'iCloud' services and the ensuing saturation advertising campaign pursued by Apple,the media and the general public have quickly come to associate the mark 'iCloud' with Apple, rather than iCloud Communications." Scroll down to read the full complaint.
The motion goes on to list previous times Apple was sued for launching a product with an "i" prefix: by Cisco in 2007 for the "iPhone," by Fujitsu in 2009 for the "iPad," and by Innovative Media Group in 2010 for "iAds."
Apple was wiser this time, acquiring the iCloud domain and U.S. trademark from Swedish software company Xcerion. ICloud Communications never held a registered trademark, according to a database search in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
ICloud Communications has asked the Arizona district court for all of Apple's profits from iCloud thus far, and for Apple to immediately cease using the iCloud name. Apple has 30 days from the June 10 filing to respond.
For more on the iCloud, see "iCloud: What We Wanted vs. What We Got."