In the first few days after the Apple iPad’s release there were a series of criticisms of the product’s name, most referred to the similarity between the iPad name and “pad”, the common name for a Sanitary napkin. According to Wired News some women said this would make them less likely to buy the product. Shortly after the launch announcement the hashtag iTampon became the number two trending topic on popular social networking site Twitter.
Like the iPhone, the iPad shares its name with several existing products. The most serious risk of a trademark dispute comes from the Fujitsu iPAD, introduced by Japanese company Fujitsu in 2002. This is a mobile multi-functional device sold to retailers to help clerks verify prices, check inventory, and close sales. Fujitsu is consulting attorneys over what, if any, action to take against Apple.