Shenzhen Proview preparing for iPad talks with Apple

A SHENZHEN firm involved in an iPad trademark dispute is preparing for talks with Apple Inc., the firm’s lawyer said yesterday, raising hopes for a settlement.

"We are now preparing for negotiations,” said Xie Xianghui, lawyer for Proview Technology (Shenzhen). “The court cases will continue until we reach an agreement.” He declined to give further details, but he added Apple had told Proview it had “peaceful intentions.”

Apple did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Analysts expect the companies will reach an out-of-court settlement.

Reports last week stated Proview has threatened to sue the technology giant in a U.S. court for US$2 billion. Yesterday, Chinese-language newspapers said debt-laden Proview will withdraw all lawsuits if Apple offers US$400 million in compensation, citing Proview’s eight creditor banks.

A Shanghai court is scheduled to hear Proview’s case against Apple today, Xie said.

In another, related lawsuit, a Chinese court last week ordered an electronics chain store to stop selling Apple iPads at a branch in the southern city of Huizhou.

Proview also has filed complaints with local governments in several Chinese cities, resulting in iPads being pulled from store shelves in at least two places. 

SOURCE: www1.szdaily.com