Apple 'app store' row heats up

iPhone maker Apple has sent a cease-and-desist letter to open source software provider Amahi, over its use of the term 'app store', reports Cnet.

Amahi has an open source application marketplace where users can download apps to extend the use of its software.

In a Bloomberg report, Apple claims it would be irreparably harmed because the value of its own app store will be eroded, as consumers confuse the two services.

However, US district judge Phyllis Hamilton says the motion will probably be denied because Apple hasn't demonstrated confusion among consumers. Hamilton says she will review court filings before issuing a final decision.

Apple's difficulty demonstrating “real evidence of actual confusion” among consumers is a “stumbling block for Apple,” says Hamilton in court.

In other news, Apple is in a row against Amazon for also using the 'app store' terminology, says Channel News.

In a statement lodged in a California court, Apple says: “Consumers of mobile software downloads are likely to be confused as to whether Amazon's mobile software download service is sponsored or approved by Apple.”

Amazon countersued claiming the term 'App Store' was generic.