(AFP Photo / Kimihiro Hoshino)
Apple and Amazon both withdrew their claims in a copyright case over the propriety of the name “App store” on Tuesday, allowing both companies the rights of usage.
Amazon, who launched its own app store in March 2011, was sued in the same month by the Apple alleging trademark violation and false advertising.
According to Reuters, Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet said: “We no longer see a need to pursue our case.”
“With more than 900,000 apps and 50 billion downloads, customers know where they can purchase their favourite apps,” Huguet added.
Apple had alleged that Amazon misused the name “App store” to increase sales for its Android devices and Kindle Fire tablet. Amazon claimed that the term was generic, and its use would not mislead customers.
The first false advertising suit was dismissed in January 2013, and Apple issued an agreement to Amazon not to sue over the online retailer’s use of the term, eliminating the need for Amazon to seek usage permission.
Apple began to sell applications to its mobile devices users via the app store in July 2008 and this Wednesday the company celebrated the store’s 5 year anniversary.
On the company’s website, Apple announced that it intends to celebrate its anniversary with its customers by offering five applications and five games for free.
The free applications included How to cook everything, based on the bestselling cookbook; the application was originally purchased by users for $9.99. Games offered included Infinity Blade II, Tiny Wings, Where’s my Water and Badland.
