Apple iPhone has had its share of patent disputes and trademark problems in the past, they might well have to dodge a similar situation in China. While no plans for iPhone in China are officially announced (despite dozens of rumors over the years), it is believed that the iPhone 3GS would make it to China by year end.
This time Apple’s problem is Hanwang Technology who holds a trademark for ‘i-phone’ in China. Though Apple itself has a ‘iPhone’ trademark in China, its limited to computer hardware etc. Hanwang holds the trademark for mobile products. Given this situation Apple has only two options: Either rename the iPhone in China or reach a settlement with Hanwang. However, we won’t be surprised is Apple moves in without any such settlement or re-branding (though personally I feel Chinese govt is hard to deal with).