Apple's new iPad could be banned in China if it does not resolve a trademark issue with Chinese technology firm Proview, a media report said Thursday.
Proview Technology is fighting Apple over the iPad trademark in a major legal case.
It has now called for Chinese distributors to cease selling the tablet.
Proview, which claims it owns the iPad name, filed a lawsuit against Apple's use of the trademark in China at the Santa Clara Superior Court last month, The Telegraph reported.
It has previously tried to ban the sale of the tablet in China but to no avail.
However, in a new attempt, the nearly bankrupt Proview, has sent an open letter to China's technology supplies and resellers - asking them to stop storing and shipping the iPad as of Thursday.
"Anybody who continues to do so will be seen as intentionally infringing rights and the company will adopt the most severe measures by taking legal action," the letter said.
Apple's new device, named "new iPad" and launched Wednesday, offers 3.1 million pixels, which is a higher screen resolution than an HDTV.