Huawei could get Apple Vision Pro glasses banned in China

According to a filing with the Trademark Office of the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), Huawei applied for the “Vision Pro” trademark in 2021, covering a wide range of goods and services including virtual reality (VR) glasses and wearable video displays. Huawei filed the application in 2019 and has exclusive rights to use “Vision Pro” from 2021 until November 27, 2031, according to CNIPA data.

This will be a problem for Apple in China. The “bitten apple” has just announced Vision Pro glasses, expected to be sold early next year in the US before expanding to other markets.

CEO Tim Cook next to Apple Vision Pro glasses. (Photo: Reuters)

The Vision Pro is Apple’s first major product in a decade, allowing users to experience immersive digital content like games and 3D videos. It is expected to mark “the beginning of a new era of computing,” according to CEO Tim Cook.

You Yunting, senior partner at law firm Shanghai Debund, commented that Huawei has the right to take legal action against Apple if it sells Vision Pro glasses.

From a legal perspective, Apple’s global promotion of its products, including in China, could constitute trademark infringement based on Chinese intellectual property laws and past court rulings, You added. He said Huawei may not take action now because it doesn’t want to cause a stir or will seek compensation after the Vision Pro officially hits shelves.

Huawei has launched a number of devices under the “Vision” brand, such as the Huawei Vision glasses in December 2022 or a series of smart TV screens.

Apple and Huawei were previously embroiled in a trademark battle when the US company failed to block its Chinese rival from using the name “MatePod” in 2021. Apple argued that “MatePod” was too similar to its iPod, EarPods and AirPods.

Mr. You suggested that Apple could rename “Vision Pro” to “Apple Vision” in China because “Apple” is a recognizable name in the technology world, while “Vision” is nothing special.

(According to SCMP)

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