Intel is credited as being the brains behind the new Thunderbolt I/O technology, but Apple is the one who holds the original trademark for the name. According to recent reports, this may change as Apple is reportedly transferring ownership of this trademark to Intel.
Intel originally created the I/O technology using optical cabling and marketed it under the name Light Peak. Apple approached Intel about Light Peak and the two companies began collaborating on the project. Over the course of a few years, Apple pushed Intel to drop the optical connection and replace it with copper which permits the transmission of electricity as well as data. They also changed the name.
The technology was
