Experts say Apple has trademark weakness

BEIJING - The names of iPhone and iPad could wind up on hiking shoes, veterinary drugs or even diapers in China if Apple fails to remedy flaws in its brand strategy, experts say.

At least 39 Chinese companies and individuals in recent years have attempted to register the two trademarks in categories that Apple has not, according to the China Trademark Website.

Six, including a flashlight manufacturer, have gone so far as gaining preliminary approval from authorities and were forced to defend their applications when objections were raised in the final disclosure procedure, according to the website, run by the trademark office of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce.