Is Apple Finally Planning A New iPad Launch in China?

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) looks to be a step closer to launching the new iPad in China after getting a network access license for a device compatible with the China Unicom (NYSE:CHU) network. China Unicom is the country’s second-largest mobile operator by subscribers after China Mobile (NYSE:CHL).

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Apple is believed to have been slow to release its third-generation iPad in China, its second-largest market behind the U.S., because of a running trademark lawsuit against Proview International.

The Hong Kong-based Proview has contended that it holds owns the China rights to the business name iPad, while Apple continues to insist that it purchased the rights for it back in 2009. The court case has been on for a while in a local court, with Apple appealing a lower court’s decision in favor of the Chinese company. The two had been in settlement talks a few weeks ago on the appeal court’s insistence.

Now, an update on China’s Telecommunication Equipment Certification Center website shows that Apple has been issued a license to begin sales for a device with high-speed wireless data capabilities. The device is noted to be compatible with the 3G standard, wide band code division multiple access. Has there been a secret breakthrough with Proview?

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