Cisco today at CES sent a subtle warning to Apple about the iPhone that Apple unveiled at MacWorld.

Cisco's chief development officer and president for Linksys Charlie Giancarlo (pictured right) said that he expects a signed statement by the end of today. The two companies have been in talks for several years, Giancarlo disclosed, and Cisco has sent its latest draft agreement as recently as last night.

The ball clearly is in Apple's court now. By launching the phone without having licensing agreement in place, it has opened the door for Cisco to assert its trademark claims.

After the jump, you can watch a video with Giancarlo's statement.