NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Narendra Modi
    Amit Shah
    Box Office Collection
    Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
    OTT releases
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    NewsBytes
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout

    India
    Business
    World
    Politics
    Sports
    Technology
    Entertainment
    Auto
    Lifestyle
    Inspirational
    Career
    Bengaluru
    Delhi
    Mumbai

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
    Home / News / Business News / Apple, the tech company, wants to trademark apple, the fruit
    Next Article
    Apple, the tech company, wants to trademark apple, the fruit
    Apple filed a lawsuit to gain IP rights over depiction of apple, the fruit, in Switzerland

    Apple, the tech company, wants to trademark apple, the fruit

    By Athik Saleh
    Jun 19, 2023
    06:12 pm

    What's the story

    Switzerland is the stage for a strange trademark battle. The main characters are the Fruit Union Suisse, a 111-year-old fruit farmer's organization in Switzerland and Apple, the world's most valuable company.

    The problem—Apple wants intellectual property rights over apples, the fruit. And no, we aren't talking about the bitten apple that became synonymous with the company.

    Let's see what the issue is.

    Context

    Why does this story matter?

    Apple is no stranger to trademark lawsuits. According to Tech Transparency Project, between 2019 and 2021, Apple tried to enforce its IP rights over other companies more than Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft combined.

    The company has also tried to trademark apple, the fruit, in other countries. The strategy to own IP rights over fruits speaks volumes about the global IP industry.

    Issue

    Apple filed for IP rights over black-and-white green apple

    Apple's quest to trademark its namesake fruit in Switzerland dates back to 2017. It submitted an application before the Swiss Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) for IP rights over a realistic, black-and-white depiction of an apple variety called Granny Smith, or green apple.

    The application covered a variety of use cases, including electronic, digital, and audiovisual consumer goods and hardware.

    Partially granted

    The Swiss authority partially granted Apple's request

    The IPI granted Apple the rights to some goods it wanted. It cited a legal principle that considers generic images of common goods a part of the public domain.

    Against this decision, Apple filed an appeal in April this year. The new lawsuit covers those use cases for which IPI did not grant the trademark.

    This includes audiovisual footage.

    Concern

    Right over black-and-white image gives Apple the broadest possible protection

    It is true that Apple is only asking for the rights over a black-and-white image of an apple. However, this would potentially give the company the broadest protection over the shape.

    If granted, it will be able to go after depictions of apples in different colors. Switzerland's apple growers and the Fruit Union Suisse are afraid this would happen.

    IP system

    Apple has a history of winning similar battles

    The farmer's union in Switzerland might win a potential trademark battle against Apple if they can prove a history of prior usage of the disputed sign.

    However, Apple has a history of winning similar battles in countries like Japan, Turkey, Israel, and Armenia.

    If Apple wins, it would be a huge restriction on the usage of any depiction of apple in the country.

    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Related News
    Latest
    Apple
    Switzerland

    Latest

    Shankar Mahadevan creates song with Google's AI tool  Bollywood
    'Every baby in Gaza an enemy': Israeli politician sparks outrage  Hamas
    Radhika Apte's 'Sister Midnight' impresses critics globally Cannes Film Festival
    How antique mirrors elevate vintage decor Home Decor

    Apple

    Indian government warns Apple users of multiple vulnerabilities: Know solution Ministry of Electronics and IT
    India's first-ever Apple store will be launched in Mumbai soon Mumbai
    Apple iOS 17: Expected features, launch date, and eligible devices iOS
    Apple's MacBook Air M2 is retailing with Rs. 12,000 discount Apple MacBook Air

    Switzerland

    Indians' money in Swiss banks rises 50% in one year India
    #MoneyInSwissBanks: India witnesses 50% rise in funds; jumps to 73rd-place South Korea
    Samsung's TV to be controlled by your brain, not remote Samsung
    Man hangs for life as pilot 'forgets' to strap him Florida
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2025