Apple Vision Pro | Huawei Trademarks Name in China
Apple’s recently unveiled mixed-reality headset, Apple Vision Pro, is facing a potential identity crisis as Huawei, a Chinese electronics manufacturer, has reportedly trademarked the name “Vision Pro” in China.
According to a report by MyDrivers, Huawei holds exclusive rights to the trademark from November 28, 2021, to November 27, 2031.
While Huawei’s existing Vision line of televisions may be the intended use for the trademark, the company also offers eyewear with integrated speakers and microphones for music and calls.
Before the WWDC23 keynote, speculations surrounding Apple’s headset suggested it would be named “Reality Pro,” with the operating system referred to as “xrOS.”
It remains uncertain whether Apple made last-minute changes to the names or if the rumored information was intentionally leaked to identify potential sources.
Additionally, the extent to which China’s trademark laws accommodate the use of the name Vision Pro, considering the Apple logo appended to it, remains unclear.
Apple has encountered trademark issues in the past, notably with the iPhone. Cisco initially owned the iPhone trademark during Apple’s announcement of the iconic device in 2007.
However, the two companies eventually reached an agreement, allowing both to use the iPhone branding.
The details of this arrangement were not disclosed, and Cisco later ceased using the iPhone brand for its IP phones.
Apple has also faced trademark disputes with Apple Records over the years.
If Apple and Huawei fail to reach an agreement and the courts side with Huawei, Apple could be prohibited from selling the Vision Pro in China.
While Apple could opt to release the headset under a different name, this scenario seems highly unlikely.
Another possibility would be using a distinct name for the Chinese market, assuming “Reality Pro” is not trademarked by another company in the country.
Nevertheless, Apple tends to prioritize consistent branding, making it more probable that the two tech giants will resort to legal proceedings before ultimately reaching a settlement.
