Cisco hits Apple with lawsuit over iPhone

Cisco Systems Inc. on Wednesday sued Apple Inc., claiming that the maker of computers and media players doesn't have permission to name its newest device the iPhone.

Cisco has owned the trademark for "iPhone" since 2000, the result of its purchase of InfoGear, which owned the trademark previously. Since December, Cisco's wireless division, Linksys, has been shipping a family of cordless and wireless phones under the iPhone brand.

"We think Cisco's trademark lawsuit is silly," said Natalie Kerris, an Apple spokeswoman.