Apple has lost a lawsuit against Chinese company Proview Technology over the iPad trademark, reports Financial Post. Apple initially sued the company last year, which has owned the “iPad” trademark since 2000.
![iPad China](http://www.mactrast.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/iPad-China.png)
The company threatened to sue Apple over trademark infringement last year, valuing the trademark at $800 million. Apple argued that its $55,000 purchase of the European trademark from Proview last year included the Chinese rights, which Proview values at $800 million.
Today’s ruling shows that China’s legal system apparently does not agree, and Proview has followed up their victory by suing Apple for $1.6 billion for violating the trademark in China. Apple has not responded to a request for comment.
It’s likely that Apple will attempt to appeal the decision, should such an option be available, and may have to resort to a settlement with Proview in order to continue using the trademark.