Cisco has announced that it is suing Apple and seeking an injunction to prevent the company from using the name “iPhone”. A few days ago it was revealed that Cisco and Apple were close to closing a deal but it appears Apple’s early announcement has driven Cisco to close all negotiations.

“Cisco entered into negotiations with Apple in good faith after Apple repeatedly asked permission to use Cisco’s iPhone name,” said Mark Chandler, senior vice president and general counsel, Cisco. “There is no doubt that Apple’s new phone is very exciting, but they should not be using our trademark without our permission.

“Today’s iPhone is not tomorrow’s iPhone. The potential for convergence of the home phone, cell phone, work phone and PC is limitless, which is why it is so important for us to protect our brand,” Chandler concluded.

Cisco has filed the lawsuit in the United States District Court for Northern District of California to prevent Apple from using the trademark.