Cisco asks Apple to respond to "iPhone" suit today

The San Jose Mercury News' Sarah Jane Tribble writes that Federal court documents reveal that Cisco Systems has given Apple until today to respond to a trademark lawsuit filed in January over their use of the word "iPhone." She writes

The companies sparred in early January when Steve Jobs introduced Apple's iPhone -- the sleek gadget that combines a cell phone and a video and music player -- without the permission of network-equipment maker Cisco, which owns the trademark. Cisco responded with a statement saying the two companies had been in intensive talks for several weeks and Apple was expected to sign an agreement any minute.

But Apple never did. So Cisco sued.

There is always the possibility that Apple will request an extension, but we'll have to wait and see. Technically Apple has until at least the close of business (5:00pm PST) or later today to meet the Thursday deadline.

Stay tuned.