Brett Molina

USA TODAY

The name 'iphone' won't only appear on Apple smartphones sold in China.

A court in China ruled a local company can still create handbags and other goods bearing the name 'iphone,' reports The Guardian. Apple had sought to prevent the company from using the name for its signature smartphone.

The name 'iphone' was registered in 2007 in China, according to the report, two years before Apple began selling its iPhone in the country. The company, Xintong Tiandi, makes handbags, wallets and phone cases.

The ruling arrives as Apple endures a slowdown in iPhone upgrades in China, considered one of its most important markets. However, during an interview with CNBC, Apple CEO Tim Cook remained positive.

"The middle class (in China) is booming," said Cook. "I could not be more optimistic about its future."

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