Amazon has asked a federal judge to reject a claim from Apple that it is guilty of false advertising through its use of the “app store” name, Reuters reports. The move forms part of a long-running spat between the companies (and others) about use of the term.

In a filing made with a US district court last week, Amazon said the ‘app store’ term has become so generic that to say it was guilty of false advertising is inaccurate.

According to PC Advisor, Amazon also questioned the legal grounds for this complaint, stating: "Leaving for another day whether that is a reasonable contention, it is clearly one that sounds in trademark, not false advertising." 

Amazon's filing added that current Apple CEO Tim Cook and his predecessor, the late Steve Jobs, both used the term 'app store' to discuss rival app marketplaces.

Amazon launched its Android app store as the ‘Amazon Appstore for Android’ last year, although it subsequently began referring to it simply as the Amazon Appstore.

According to earlier reports, Apple has identified the Amazon store is closer to its own operation than rivals such as Google Play, due to its more controlled approach and integrated payment mechanisms.