Apple Awarded iPhone5.com Domain
May 17, 2012
Apple is the new owner of the iPhone5.com domain thanks to a decision made by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), according to The Next Web.
Once operated as an online bulletin board, iPhone5.com was first registered in 2008. The site’s original owners, who were not identified, claimed the site was not "not endorsed, sponsored, nor otherwise affiliated with Apple" and that it was created "for the sole purpose of entertainment and knowledge."
Earlier this year, Apple sought ownership of the site, which led to the WIPO decision.
This news doesn’t necessarily mean Apple is poised to unveil their sixth-generation handset with the iPhone 5 moniker. Instead, the taking of the domain is likely Apple’s attempt to “stop people from profiting from its trademarks.”
Apple doesn’t own some of the domains many would think would be company property. For example, Apple doesn’t own iPad.com, iBooks.com, or iBookstore.com. However, iPods.com is owned by the technology giant.
For those interested, according to Whois, the iPhone6.com domain is owned by Fabulous.com, a domain naming organization for professionals.
Personally, I think Apple will scrap numbering and call their next handset the iPhone. After all, this is the path they choose when the new iPad was released earlier this year.
Does Apple's move suggest the next iPhone will be called the iPhone 5?
Source: The Next Web
Photo: iPhone 5 concept by The Play Mob