iPads seized in China in a copyright row

Apple and a Chinese company Shenzhen Proview technology are going thru a confusion over the name rights. The Chinese Company registered the iPad trademark in 2001 while Apple bought rights to the name from a Taiwan company affiliated with Proview but the mainland company says it own the name in China.

This week Proview said it will ask customs officials to stop the imports and exports of iPads - a move that could disrupt global sales, as the tablets are manufactured in China.

iPads have reportedly been seized in the cities of Zhengzhou and Qingdao, after earlier seizures in Shijiazhuang and Xuzhou.

A Chinese court rejected Apple's claim to the name in China last year, but Apple has appealed. Apple insists it owns the iPad name and has accused Proview of failing to honor its agreement.

The Chinese firm on Friday threatened to sue the technology giant in the United States for $2 billion.Chinese media say Proview is deeply in debt and observers have suggested the company needs a large settlement to repay creditors.