Apple battles Woolworths over new logo trademark
updated 10:50 pm EDT, Sun October 4, 2009
Apple aims to stop application approval process
Apple has launched a legal challenge against Woolworths, prompted by the latter company's new logo that resembles the well-known Apple symbol, according to The Age. Woolworths, the largest retailer in Australia, insists its new logo is a stylized "W" or a piece of fresh produce. Apple conversely believes the icon is too similar to its own and has set out to convince IP Australia, the Federal Government agency that governs trademarks, to stop Woolworths' application from proceeding.
Apple is unnerved because Woolworth has applied for a blanket trademark that would allow the company to brand itself on any product. The application includes a wide class for electrical goods and technology, making it a direct competitor for Apple should the retailer choose to produce computers or music players. The company recently expanded its product line to include cell phones.
Hans Hulsbosch, the logo's designer, said Apple is taking trademark protection "to the extreme." He further said that "based on this logic, they would have to take action against every fruit-seller."
Trademark lawyer Trevor Choy said it is common for Apple to prevent companies from using symbols remotely similar to Apple's logo or marketing. "They are just covering any eventualities," said Choy. The lawyer suggested less than five percent of such actions made it to court.
ummm.
10/04, 11:11pm reply
Woolsworth?
Might want to have an editor look your stuff over before you post it.
chirpy22
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Battle
10/04, 11:13pm reply
That logo is too different from the Apple logo. Their suit will not hold up.
chirpy22
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Infamous?
10/04, 11:24pm reply
Please consult the dictionary.
chiefhiawatha
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2009
I don't get it
10/04, 11:46pm reply
I'm pretty much an Apple fanboy and even I think Apple is reaching on this one. Must have been a slow week in the Legal Department.
mikegraham8
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2009
So change the logo
10/05, 12:00am reply
It'd easier for Woolsworth to change their logo at the outset than to do it later.
Apple's brand is far too valuable for Apple not to be proactive in protecting it. It's a corporate obligation.
DanielSw
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2009
That's like comparing apples and oranges!
10/05, 01:48am (1 reply) reply
As a graphic designer (who does all his work on various Macs), I don't see it. Poor Woolworths. I remember when they were a five and dime and mom took us there to get burgers and cherry cokes at the counter. Now, they are nowhere to be seen in America. Their logo is nice and they should be allowed to use it.
herojig
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2009
Woolworths
10/05, 03:22am reply
Well, Apple does have iPods socks.
Joking aside, i do see the reason for the legal action. Its a logo that very much looks like an Apple and Woolworths is selling iPods, Apple has to take action even do i think they won't win this one.
Peter Bonte
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
hmmm
10/05, 07:42am reply
looks more like an apple than a W but not so much like apple's apple.
nat
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Significantly different
10/05, 08:49am reply
I love Apple too, but Woolworth's logo is significantly different.
dmhuff
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2009
Terrible
10/05, 08:56am reply
I really dislike the litigious nonsense we see everywhere today. I am sorry, but no one is going to "confuse" the new Woolworth's symbol with that of Apple. This type of wasteful litigation should be punished as it takes up time, energy, and resources to take to court. Did Apple not sue other companies for using the word Pod a few years ago? Wasn't the storage company that has storage pods the target of such litigation. Apple....booo. /thumbsdown
lamewing
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2004