iPod Nano Infringe on Creative's Zen Nano Plus?

A Creative spokesman acknowledged Apple's use of the Nano name long after the Zen's arrival, and confirmed that the company's legal department was also aware of the matter. However, he would not comment on any action Creative may or may not take.


As a unit of measurement, nano is not a name that any company can trademark. However, Creative could argue Apple is attempting to trade on the back of an established product. Given Apple's historical willingness to set its legal hounds on computer companies whose products have appeared a little too similar to its own, there would be some poetic justice in Creative going after Apple on the same grounds.

Apple's naming gaffe comes a week after Creative emerged as the holder of a patent that appears to cover the iPod's user interface. Ironically, Creative's own UI has been getting progressively more iPod-like over the last few years, so the company is not above borrowing from its rival. Now, it seems, Apple is returning the favour. Separately, other Apple rivals are piqued that Samsung allegedly gave the iPod maker big discounts on Flash memory, based on the size of its order.

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