According to a recent article appeared on China daily, Apple’s current trademark issues with the iPad trademark in China, are entirely their fault.

China Trademark Website says that the iPhone and iPad name could soon be used on hiking shoes, veterinary drugs and even diapers in China, if Apple fails to remedy flaws in its brand strategy.

Six Chinese companies, have already gained preliminary approval to use the very famous iPhone and iPad names. On the last day, when the companies were to receive final disclosure procedure, Apple objected to the applications.

Why were these 6 companies allowed to apply for the trademarks? According to a lawyer representing one of the Chinese companies, Apple had not registered the trademarks in all of China’s 45 commercial categories, leaving room for local companies to take advantage of Apple’s flaw.

Companies from Taiwan and Hong Kong are also aware of this and trying to cash in on the success of Apple’s products.
According to the Chinese Trademark website, 18 entities attempted to apply for an iPad trademark after 2010 when the tablet was launched. According to the site, none of the applicants have successfully obtained the trademark.

To date, the iPhone name has been registered in 14 categories and the iPad in 9 categories.

[Via]