Apple and Amazon settle lawsuit over rights to ‘App Store’

Apple and Amazon have settled a lawsuit over the rights to the term ‘app store’ for use in the companies’ respective distribution platforms.

Reuters reports a US district judge dismissed the case earlier this week at both firms’ request. A trial previously was scheduled to start on August 19th.

Apple originally filed the lawsuit shortly after Amazon opened its digital distribution hub in 2011 – naming it the Appstore for Android. Apple claimed that Amazon didn’t have a right to use the name ‘app store’ because Apple had been using it for its iOS distribution hub since 2008.

The settlement was reached when Apple promised not to sue, and Amazon agreed to ditch its counterclaim in the case.

"We no longer see a need to pursue our case," Apple rep Kristin Huguet said. "With more than 900,000 apps and 50 billion downloads, customers know where they can purchase their favorite apps."

"We’re gratified that the court has conclusively dismissed this case," Amazon rep Mary Osako said. "We look forward to continuing our focus on delivering the best possible appstore experience to customers and developers."