Cisco’s Suit of Apple Over iPhone Name May Be Playing into Steve’s Hand
Many folks are mystified by Cisco’s suit of Apple over the name of Apple’s truly sensational, hot new iPhone. And, by the way, I agree with many that this is a true “leapfrog” product that is literally years ahead of the competition and will have a huge impact on the market like the iPod.
I think I know what’s going on with this lawsuit. It’s just a hunch, but it rings true at least to me. Bottom line, I think Steve is one step ahead of Cisco.
First, think of all the free publicity Apple and Mr. Steve Jobs are getting as a result of the Cisco lawsuit. Second, remember that Apple’s new AppleTV product was originally named “iTV.” Get it yet? Third, remember that Jobs likes consistency in product names. For example, now and only recently, all the Mac portables are MacBooks.
So my educated guess is that Jobs knew he’d get sued. He anticipated the publicity boost. And, they will change the name of their awesome new product to the ApplePhone! It’s got nice alliteration and they’ll use the same Apple logo-included name treatment that they are using on the AppleTV product.
You heard it here first! Anybody else think this is true?
I think you are onto something here Jon. What a concept, use your in-house legal staff as marketing agents – brilliant!
Thanks, Cindy!
Update: On February 22, 2007, Apple and Cisco settled their lawsuit (NYTimes report is here: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/22/technology/22apple.html). Apple did get extra publicity after all, and gets the use the name just the same. Nice that Apple and Cisco can play nice. 😉