Andy Rubin’s Essential accused of trademark infringement by Spigen

Andy Rubin’s hardware startup Essential may have received rave reviews from experts but the company has already come upon its first trademark dispute.

According to an Android Police report, accessory maker, Spigen has sent Essential a cease and desist letter demanding that Rubin’s latest business stop using the “Essential” mark. Apparently, Spigen already holds a trademark for 'Essential' word that covers a number of mobile accessories it sells, including phone cases, chargers, and headphones.

While this trademark doesn’t cover actual smartphones, Spigen says Rubin’s Essential will “cause confusion” for consumers. In the cease and desist letter, Spigen’s lawyers also point out that Essential had its trademark application denied by the US Patent and Trademark Office — not once, but twice — for this precise reason.

Rubin’s Essential has until June 15th to respond to the letter, otherwise, Spigen says it is “prepared to take any and all actions to protect” its trademark. It appears that Essential isn’t that concerned about the threat, as a spokesperson has released the following statement: “Essential believes they are without merit and will respond appropriately.”