By David Young
In its ongoing trademark battle with Apple, Microsoft has brought on a new issue- typography. Microsoft has been trying to stop Apple from trademarking the term "App Store,' and it now claims that the font used in Apple's response to its opposition is too small. It also says that it's too long.

The motion to strike reads, "Apple's response brief is 31 pages, including the table of contents and table of authorities, and on information and belief is printed in less than 11 point font." It continues, "Under the rules, Apple's brief cannot exceed 25 pages in its entirety, including the table of contents and table of authorities, and must be printed in at least 11 point font."

Apple had first applied to trademark the term 'App Store' way back in 2008, shortly after the store was launched. Microsoft has been arguing that trademarking the combination would be overly generic, as 'app' and 'store' are commonly used English words. Meanwhile, Apple is trying to convince the Patent and Trademark Office that the term is closely related to Apple in the public opinion, as it points out that 'Windows,' for instance, is a similarly ordinary word.

The PTO has currently halted the legal process, to give Apple the opportunity to perform a little editing. Probably Microsoft has been feeling that it can't be bothered to search through tons of more indecipherable paper, and is hence calling for the whole mess to be sorted out on the phone.