Microsoft joins App Store trademark fight against Apple

Microsoft intends to throw its weight into the ring against Apple where the App Store trademark is concerned, as the software giant has teamed up with mobile companies HTC, Nokia and Sony Ericsson in order to go up against Apple’s trademark in Europe. Not only that, Amazon has also joined the fray by filing a similar complaint. The companies mentioned above (save for Apple, of course) want the trademark to be dismissed as too generic – but can you see the irony in the situation as Microsoft is the trademark holder for the word “Windows”?

According to Microsoft, “Microsoft and other leading technology companies are seeking to invalidate Apple’s trademark registrations for APP STORE and APPSTORE before the European Community Trademark Office. Apple has claimed that it alone has the right to use the phrase “App Store.” Today’s filings by HTC, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, and Microsoft, like Amazon’s recent action, demonstrate the breadth of opposition to Apple’s unsupportable claim of exclusivity. “App store,” like “toy store” or “book store,” is a generic term that should continue to be available for everyone to use for stores that sell apps.”

What do you think of the whole shebang – is it worth going to court over, or are they trying to irritate Apple by throwing speedbumps along the way?