Lawyers representing Apple’s intellectual property interests sent a cease and desist letter to Procreate over its use of the names Flypod and Podium for its products.
The letter states that Apple is concerned that consumers will be confused by the use of the term “Pod” in the product names, and that people may think that Apple is somehow associated with the products. Apple contends that the term “Pod” has been used extensively by consumers as an abbreviation for its iPod.
The Podium is an iPhone stand that Procreate makes for the original iPhone and iPhone 3G. The company doesn’t understand why Apple is targeting its product name.
“If you look at our product and then look up the word Podium in the dictionary, I think it becomes pretty clear where our branding inspiration came from” said Scott Baumann, president of Pivotal. “We were certainly surprised by the allegations and will be consulting with our legal counsel regarding this matter.”
Apple’s lawyers have asked the company to respond to the letter with its intentions by March 25, 2009.