• Reuters, Thursday, July 7, 2011 12:13 PM

Earlier this year, Apple sued Amazon on the claim that the online retailer was improperly using Apple's "App Store" trademark for a mobile software developer program. Now, however, a U.S. judge has denied the computer maker's attempt to stop Amazon from using the name, reports Reuters, citing a court document.

In a complaint filed on March 18 in California, Apple accused Amazon of trademark infringement and unfair competition and asked for a court order to prevent the company from using the "App Store" name, as well as for unspecified damages. Amazon, for its part, argued that the term is generic and therefore not protectable. "

U.S. District Judge Phyllis Hamilton did not agree that the term is purely generic, according to an order," Reuters reports. "However, Apple has not established 'a likelihood of confusion' with Amazon's services to get an injunction," according to Hamilton. Despite the ruling, Apple this week reiterated its belief that the name will likely "confuse and mislead customers."

Read the whole story at Reuters »