Apple takes on New York over its use of 'apple' logo

by Staff, Brand Republic 04-Apr-08, 08:50

NEW YORK - Apple has filed a formal complaint against New York's trademark application for a new 'Big Apple' logo, arguing that the design looks too similar to the computer company's famous symbol.

Apple said that the symbol used for New York's "GreeNYC" initiative, which promotes recycling and eco-friendly behaviour, is confusingly similar to its own.

The iPod-owner's filing with the US Patent and Trademark Office said that the New York logo will cause "consumer confusion resulting in damage and injury" to Apple, and will "cause dilution of the distinctiveness" of Apple's trademark.

The new 'Big Apple' morphs the symbol for infinity, similar to a figure eight on its side, with the outline of an apple, featuring a stalk and leaf.

New York's official travel and tourism organisation, NYC & Company, filed the trademark application in May last year and began using the logo across print, TV, the internet and on taxis and bus shelters as part of a campaign urging New Yorkers to reduce their pollution and greenhouse gases.

Apple challenged the application in January, but last month New York protested Apple's challenge, saying its protection of the logo is too broad.

An NYC & Company spokeswoman, said: "We believe the 'infinity apple' design and its mission to create environmental awareness are unique and distinctive and do not infringe upon the Apple computer brand."

The case has echoes of Apple's long-running legal battles with the Beatles and its Apple Corps record label. The two wrangled about the usage of the name Apple and its associated logos, ending a long-term trademark dispute in February 2007.

Comments

Matt Stewart - 04/04/2008

What a grade A waste of time. This does nothing more than damage brand reputation and made lawyers wealthy. One would've thought the association with New York, probably the world's most creative city, would actually be in Apple's interest, and a no cost whatsoever.

Gordon Macmillan - 04/04/2008

Apple loves its lawyers no doubt about that.

Nana Fatimah Ogunfemi - 04/04/2008

Apple really are going too far. New York is not in the market for technology. It's in the market for the people who buy that technology, so when they start to spurt rubbish about confusion. Apple should know that 1. The Big apple was around before them and 2. It has probably one of the world's biggest street smart population! Aight!

joe woollen - 07/04/2008

I think it's funny that Apple are trying to own the Apple as their own identity. Should have filed this on April 1st! FYI - the Apple Mac (short for Macintosh) was actually a mispelling of the McIntosh apple!

Sam Bishop - 08/04/2008

-- Breaking News -- Apple to sue Newton, Gravity and History over unauthorised use of its trademark.

Charlie Smith - 10/04/2008

-- More Breaking News -- Apple to sue Rene Magritte retrospectively for his portrait the 'Son of Man'.

Charlie Smith - 10/04/2008

'Bite Me'

Julian Esposito - 10/04/2008

--Breaking News Bandwagon-- Apple to sue Charlie Smith for using a picture of a apple in his profile pic. Apple are considering sueing consumers of apples around the globe also.