Apple need Hanwang Technology’s blessing to sell its similarly named iPhone in China. Hanwang Technology (also known as Hanvon) is a maker of devices and Chinese handwriting recognition systems, owner of the trademark "i-phone" for mobile phones in China. Their similar name “iPhone” would make it illegal to sell in China. So, Apple said that it is in talks with carrier China Unicom to offer the iPhone. Apple hopes to start sales in China in the next year.

Apple’s iPhone trademark in Chine, which was applied in 2002, covers only computer hardware and software, not mobile phones. In 2004 Hanwang applied to register the i-phone trademark in the category covering phone equipment including mobile handsets. In order to sell iPhones Apple should apply for the trademark office to revoke Hanwang's trademark, but revoking of trademark usually takes 3 or 4 years, according to Wang. Also he added that the successful result of that process is unlikely to occur.

Hangwan’s spokeswoman said that Apple hasn’t contacted Hangwan about this issue. It hasn’t received any notifications from China's trademark office of any action by Apple.