According to multiple sources, the "iSlate" brand name had been patented back in November 2006 by a Delaware based company called Slate Computing. This screen-company would have served as a shield for Apple to protect the brand name of the future most wanted Apple product while remaining discrete. The same iSlate trademark has been registered by a lawyer firm which often gets missions from Apple inside EU.
Digging slightly deeper, some documents would have been find showing the signature of Regina Porter, Mrs trademark protection of Apple. So, if TabletMac there is in the pipes, there are great chances it will be nicely called the "iSlate".
Let us remind you that Apple will have a special event next January 26th during which we all expect the iSlate to be officially announced as well as the launch of iTunes TV in partnership with Disney and CBS.
