iSmashPhone summarizes a pair of reports from China claiming that Apple is facing a potential 240 million yuan ($38 million) fine from governmental authorities over alleged trademark infringement involving the "iPad" name. The fine pales, however, in comparison to the $1.6 billion Proview Technology, which claims to own the name, is seeking to win in a series of lawsuits filed against Apple.

The Globe and Mail reports that Apple is actively seeking launch partnerships with Canada's Rogers Communications and BCE Inc.

In December, an apparent bug appeared in Apple's iMessage service that allowed iMessages to be sent to a stolen iPhone.

CNET reports on a new research note from analyst Linley Gwennap, who believes that custom circuitry in Apple's A5 system-on-a-chip including "earSmart" noise cancellation technology from Audience is the reason why Siri is currently an iPhone 4S-only feature.

New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)'s s weetheart deal for Apple's just-opened Grand Central Terminal retail store seems to be paying dividends for the MTA and neighboring stores. One restaurant is reporting a 7 percent increase in sales since the store opened in December

Earlier today, Japanese blog Macotakara claimed that Apple will be holding an "unusual" event in February, backtracking somewhat on its earlier claim of an early February iPad 3 event . The Loop 's well-connected Jim Dalrymple now reports that Apple will not hold an event in February, indicating that observers waiting for the iPad 3 or other major announcement from Apple will need to hold out until at least March. This is not going to happen, according to my sources

Apple's education-focused media event isn't until Thursday, but Japanese blog Macotakara reports that Apple is already making plans for an early February event to introduce the iPad 3 ahead of an early March launch. The event is said to potentially also feature iOS 5.1, which is currently in developer testing. According to asian supplier and a source in United States, Apple seems to prepare to hold Special Event in early February

Japanese blog Macotakara (via AppleInsider ) reports that Apple held a MFI Conference conference in Shenzen, China this past week. "MFI" is Apple's Made for iPod / iPhone / iPad certification program for accessory manufacturers

The Japanese hobby of "Dekotora" or decorating trucks with blinding lights and themes has been dealt a blow as authorities have just declared them non-street legal. They cite the colorful, "light trucks" as a hazard to other drivers.