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Apple has lost an appeal over its use of the 'iPhone' trademark in Mexico, reports The Wall Street Journal. The case has been going on for some time, but does not appear to impact Apple's ability to sell the iPhone and related services in the country.
Apple sued to have the Ifone brand revoked on grounds it had expired for the Mexican company, but a federal court found that Ifone SA, registered in 2003, was making proper use of it. The Supreme Court this week rejected Apple's appeal against the decision at the request of Ifone.
Ifone's corporate lawyer Eduardo Gallastegui said the decision frees the company to continue with its claims, already submitted to the Industrial Property Institute IMPI, for damages resulting from the use of its name by Apple and by three Mexican mobile phone service providers: America Movil unit Telcel, Spain's Telefonica SA and Grupo Iusacell.
This is not the first time that Apple has run into trademark issues with its products. Previous court cases in Brazil and China have ended in settlements.
Top Rated Comments
What in Gods name is that? It's so ugly
Sorry - did you join the cell phone universe with the iPhone?
The i500 - while not pretty by today's standards was a kickass phone in its day. And certainly the "look" most phones had.
:rolleyes:
or 20 dollars, whichever is greater
On one hand Apple started the whole 'i' thing;
*ahem*Cisco*ahem* ;)
This would be a proper example of prior art coming into play and prevailing; something the USPTO should take notes on.but iFone was started in 2003 here.....so Apple is technically wrong and should have lost this case.
BL.
Watch Pirates of Silicon Valley, it's dramatised but it still shows Apple have a history of being flat out ripped off by other companies and then losing in court when they try and sue over it.
I've always felt sorry for Apple. They do nothing but innovate, never harming a soul, or stepping on anyone's toes, while everyone else in the industry picks over their good works like vultures on a carcass.