Apple Amends App Store Trademark Case v. Amazon Over Kindle Fire, Gift Cards

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While Apple and Amazon have continued battling in court over its App Store trademark, Amazon launched it’s “Kindle Fire” tablet this week.

The move prompted Apple to quickly file an amended complaint in the case (see below).

Apple noted that

Beginning in or about September 2011 Amazon began altering its use of the infringing mark by omitting or de-emphasizing the use of the “for Android” suffix to the “Amazon Appstore” phrase. For example, when Amazon announced in late September 2011 that it would introduce a new hardware product named the Kindle Fire (the “Fire”), Amazon promoted the Fire’s ability to use Amazon’s mobile software download service but omitted the “for Android” phrase when using the APPSTORE mark.

Apple’s lawyers argue that ads for the new Kindle Fire ads promote the “Amazon Appstore”:

Now that holiday gift card season is already underway, Apple also argues that Amazon advertises further advertises “‘Amazon Appstore Gift Cards’ in large type,” and also promotes”its APPSTORE mobile download service “as providing “Your Favorite Apps and Games” for the Fire,” like Angry Birds.

You can see the docket and legal filings in the case here (Apple Inc. v. Amazon.Com, Inc.), and read Apple’s Second Amended Complaint in the App Store trademark lawsuit below:

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Photo credit: Dmitry Lobanov/Shutterstock.com