Last week Apple introduced its iCloud offering, which enables Apple users to wirelessly sync their applications between their iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or PC, allowing one to update content simultaneously across all devices.

Now the Cupertino based iPhone and iPad maker is being sued by a Voice over IP (VoIP) solutions provider, based in Arizona in the US, over trademark infringement. According to CNet, iCloud Communications alleges that the name of Apple’s latest offering copies its company name, and also leads to confusion when it comes to competing products.

“The goods and services with which Apple intends to use the “iCloud” mark are identical to or closely related to the goods and services that have been offered by iCloud Communications under the iCloud Marks since its formation in 2005,” the company’s iCloud complaint reads.

“However, due to the worldwide media coverage given to and generated by Apple's announcement of its “iCloud” services and the ensuing saturation advertising campaign pursued by Apple, the media and the general public have quickly come to associate the mark “iCloud” with Apple, rather than iCloud Communications.”

iCloud Communications filed the lawsuit on Thursday with the US District Court of Arizona, and is seeking an unspecified amount of “monetary relief” as well as to have their legal fees paid by Apple.

 

Apple Inc. is not new to trademark litigation, settling a lawsuit with Cisco Systems in 2007 over the use of the iPhone name, as well as having extended trademark disputes with The Beatles’ Apple Corps, starting in 1978 and only ending when a final settlement was reached in 2007.