Earlier this year we wrote about Microsoft’s bid to block Apple from trademarking the phrase “app store,” and now comes news that Apple has filed a lawsuit against Amazon.com for using those words.

According to Reuters:

Amazon is unlawfully using the APP STORE trademark in connection with what Amazon calls the “Amazon Appstore Developer Portal,” along with other instances like ads for a version of Angry Birds, the popular mobile game.

“We’ve asked Amazon not to copy the APP STORE name because it will confuse and mislead customers,” a rep for the computer company says about the matter.

On Amazon.com, there is an “Appstore for Android” that allows customers to purchase applications for smartphones using the Android operating system. All applications for Apple iPhones and iPads must be purchased through Apple’s App Store.

After Apple originally moved to trademark “App Store,” a rep for Microsoft said, “An ‘app store’ is an ‘app store’… Like ‘shoe store’ or ‘toy store’, it is a generic term that is commonly used by companies, governments and individuals that offer apps.”

Apple sues Amazon.com over APP STORE trademark [Reuters]

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