Has the iPad become so synonymous with the idea of a tablet that all tablets can simply be referred to as "iPads"? According to the AP, Apple's iPad could join thermos, aspirin, and heroin in becoming a generic term.
The report, however, doesn't really note any particularly strong evidence to suggest that Apple might lose its grip on the iPad name, except for a quote from a 58-year-old iPad owner who admits to not knowing the names of any other tablets.
Instead, it focuses on efforts of well-known companies that have pushed to hold on to their trademarks - like Kleenex and Xerox. In the 1920s, Bayer lost a battle to hold on to the trademark for aspirin and heroin, while B.F. Goodrich lost out on zipper, the AP said. Kleenex and Xerox, however, have battled to hold on to their popular names, despite the fact that people commonly ask for a "Kleenex" when they mean tissue or say they are going to "Xerox" something instead of photocopy it.
The AP noted that fewer than 5 percent of U.S. brands end up as generic terms. And if Apple's legal efforts to protect its name are any indication, it's highly unlikely that iPad will also fall into the generic aspirin, heroin, or thermos bin. In fact, it's currently fighting a battle with China-based Proview to maintain control of the iPad name in the region.
The iPad is likely top of mind for tablet buyers because of its continued dominance in the space. During the fourth quarter of 2011, Apple held a 57 percent market share in the tablet market, analyst firm IHS said last month, a number expected to increase to 61 percent this year.
When the new iPad debuted in mid-March, Apple sold at least 3 million of the updated tablets in its first weekend. That came after selling 15.4 million iPads during the fourth quarter. Expect more detailed stats during the company's April 24 earnings call.
According to new stats from Chitika, the new iPad now accounts for 9.702 percent of iPad traffic after less than a month on the market. On a state-by-state basis, Chitika said the iPad is most popular in California (11.7 percent), Connecticut (10.3 percent), and Hawaii (10.3 percent).
For more, see PCMag's full review of the new iPad and the slideshow below. Also check out The iPad Wins Because Android Tablet Apps Suck: An Illustrated Guide.
For more from Chloe, follow her on Twitter @ChloeAlbanesius.
