According to the New York Times, lawyers for another company are already contemplating next steps over Apple's decision to name its new product an iPad—and the company doesn't make feminine hygiene products. Fujitsu has been selling a mobile device called an iPad in the U.S. and other places since 2002.

Fujitsu applied for a trademark for “iPad” in 2003. That application was rejected because of an even earlier filing by Magtek for a handheld encryption device, but Fujitsu revived their application in June, 2009. After Wednesday's announcement by Apple, Masahiro Yamane, director of Fujitsu’s public relations division, said, “It's our understanding that the name is ours.” The Fujitsu iPad is a multi-function device used in retail applications for things like allowing store employees to verify prices, checking whether items are in-stock, and even processing credit cards as a point-of-sale terminal without having to go to a computer station.

There are enough similarities between the two devices to potentially cause brand confusion. Both are handheld computing devices using Wi-fi and Bluetooth, and both allow VoIP telephone calls. The Fujitsu device is still actively being sold, and a new version was released in 2006.

Apple was aware of Fujitsu's claim when they announced their iPad, and applied (through a proxy) for an international trademark for the iPad in July, 2009. Apple has also filed multiple requests with the U.S. Patent Office for an extension of time to dispute Fujitsu's application. Their current deadline is Feb. 28 to declare whether they will oppose Fujitsu's claim to the iPad name.

Apple might be counting on the fact that Fujitsu's iPad is for a niche market to keep the price down on a settlement. They went through something similar with Cisco Systems over the iPhone name and negotiated a deal.

The Canadian lingerie company, Coconut Grove Pads, has the rights to sell iPad padded bras, but no dispute with Apple is expected and their sales shouldn't sag.