Microsoft is reported to be contesting an attempt by Apple to trademark the term “App Store,” stating that it is too generic to be granted protection. In documents submitted to the US Patent and Trademark Office last year, in addition to noting a number of uses of the phrase “app store” to denote services other than Apple’s, Microsoft asserts the “undisputed facts” that “apps” is a generic term for “the goods offered at Apple’s store,” and “store” is a generic term for retail services. It also cites the use of the term “app store” by Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO, to refer to alternative app retailers.