Apple Has Bought Rights To “AirTag” Trademark from a Russian RFID Company

BY Mahit Huilgol

Published 31 Oct 2019

Numerous reports and files in iOS 13 have hinted at an upcoming tracker from Apple. We recently learned that Tile like tracker from Apple might be called “AirTags.” Now it has come to light that Apple has bought the “AirTag” trademark for its tracking device from a Russian based RFID company.

A report by Russian publication states that a group by the name ISBC has sold Apple the “AirTag” trademark to Apple. The company’s description says “The leading smart card and RFID tag manufacturer in Russia.” The agreement will ensure that the group develops its products under a single brand.

The group has confirmed that is has completed a transaction that involves transferring the rights of “AirTag” trademark. However, the company refrained from naming the buyer and cited terms of confidentiality as the reason.

ISBC® group of companies have decided to bet on enhancing development of its own products under a single namesake trademark ISBC®. This rebranding decision is very much conditioned by international deal on assignment of the trademark AIRTAG®.

Transfer of RFID keyfobs from AIRTAG® brand to our flagship one – ISBC® – evidences our confidence in future of the product and solutions related. Confidentiality agreed does not allow us to disclose the deal in detail. But we may express our confidence the the future of AIRTAG® trademark we have envisaged and registered internationally will be bright, the whole world will learn and love the new product so named.

Apple’s AirTags is a tracker that would work similarly to Tile. It is speculated that Apple might use the ultra-wideband on the new iPhones for AirTags. The usage of ultra-wideband will increase the accuracy of tracking. However, for the sake of compatibility, Apple might also use Bluetooth on AirTag.

[via RBU, ISBC]