Mr. Jordan doesn't hold a registered trademark for his Chinese name in China, but legal experts said that might not matter.

WSJ: Michael Jordan Sues Chinese Sportswear Company

Ms Hall said Games Workshop could launch a similar protection campaign in Europe as it had had a registered trademark for the term "space marine" since 1995.

BBC: Row blows up over ownership of 'space marine' term

Published reports say the Kings have registered a trademark for name Anaheim Royals in preparation for a move.

FORBES: Anaheim Would Fit Kings, NBA

For the clear and obvious reason that someone else registered it as a trademark for a phone first.

FORBES: Apple Loses The iPhone Trademark

Shenzhen Proview has registered and used the iPad trademark for more than a decade on the Chinese mainland.

FORBES: No Resolution In Apple Vs Proview Court Case

"If you have a registered trademark you can stop people using it in the course of trade for goods that are not yours or licensed or approved by you, " she said.

BBC: Row blows up over ownership of 'space marine' term

Mr. Newman says he didn't have to ask Apple for permission to use the lowercase i and had no trouble getting iHospital registered as a trademark in the U.S. and Europe.

WSJ: Hospitals That Mend the Apple Set