U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) records released today show that Fujitsu Ltd. has assigned use of the iPad name to Apple Inc.

Fujitsu first filed for ownership of the iPad name in 2003 and was later approved for control of the name in reference to handheld computer devices. Apple considered filing a motion to reverse this decision, PTO records show. With ownership of the trademarked iPad name, Apple can prevent others from using it and sidesteps the prospect of a future legal battle with Fujitsu.

Apple plans to put the iPad on the market April 3.