Today, Apple has become one of the top smartphone manufacturers in the world.
Thanks to iPhone that has become a household name around the world.
Well, not really!!!
So,how did Apple manage to convince Cisco Systems to do away with the iPhone trademark?
At that time, Cisco had an internet-based handset of the same name.
Cisco used the name for its dual-mode cordless VoIP (voice over internet protocol) web link phones.
Todays iPhone is not tomorrows iPhone.
However, after Cisco filed the lawsuit, lawyers and executives from both the sides were forced to negotiate.
Steve called in and said that he wanted it, Giancarlo recalled.
He didnt offer us anything for it.
It was just like a promise hed be our best friend.
And we said, No, were planning on using it.
To Apples way of thinking this meant the name iPhone was available for Apples use.
Then, the day after Apple announced its iPhone, Cisco filed suit.
The negotiation displayed some classic Steve Jobs negotiating tactics.
Giancarlo said Jobs called him at home at dinnertime on Valentines Day, as the two sides were haggling.
Jobs talked for a while, Giancarlo related.
And then he said to me, Can you get email at home?
Giancarlo was taken aback.
And hes asking me if Im able to get email at home.
You know hes just trying to press my buttons in the nicest possible way.
Cisco gave up the fight shortly after that.
The two sides reached a vague agreement to cooperate on areas of mutual interest.
Further, in 2010, Apple also licensed the iOS trademark from Cisco for its iPhone software.
However, this time around, Apple actually acquired the trademark before going public.
In fact, the company even made it known to the public that the name change was happening.
source: www.techworm.net
