Comparing Apples To Apples
It's one of the most recognizable shapes around, and it's become the face of success for the maker of iPhones and iPods. Now Apple Inc. is trying to protect its rights to the apple shape by going after New York's trademark application for a new "Big Apple" logo. The company says the design looks too much like the apple that is the symbol of its own brand.
Bloomberg reported this afternoon that Apple believes the logo for New York's "GreeNYC" initiative, which promotes recycling and eco-friendly behavior, could be easily confused with its own emblem. The city's marketing office filed the trademark application in May, and the logo is used on its Web site and promotional materials. Apple challenged the application in January. Last month New York protested Apple's challenge, saying its protection of the logo is too broad.
It seems unlikely that consumers would mistaken New York's green campaign as being connected to the company. But it's an interesting battle being waged from opposite sides of the country over the rights to a very basic shape.
By
Kim Hart
|
April 3, 2008; 3:47 PM ET
| Category:
Kim Hart
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Posted by: annoyed5 | April 3, 2008 9:53 PM
Wait a minute, didn't NYC trademark its original "Big Apple" symbol back in the 1970s? If so, wouldn't NYC have a claim that Apple infringes its trademark?
Posted by: Garak | April 4, 2008 5:58 AM
Gimme a break Apple Inc. You are acting more and more and morelike Microsoft.
Shouldn't God be suing Apple since the pictures of apple have appeared in millions of Adam and Eve story?
Posted by: rich | April 4, 2008 6:51 AM
Wasn't Apple Records' apple green? This is like comparing apples to pommes.
Posted by: Weasel Hill Farm Orchard and Hard Cidery | April 4, 2008 10:26 AM
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"...it's an interesting battle being waged..."
No it isn't.