Apple Loses Appeal in 'iPhone' Naming Rights Case in Mexico - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Loses Appeal in 'iPhone' Naming Rights Case in Mexico

ifone 5Apple 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.

Popular Stories

Apple TV Thumb 3

Everything Coming in the 2026 Apple TV 4K

Wednesday July 8, 2026 4:51 pm PDT by
The Apple TV 4K hasn't been updated since 2022, and it's due for a refresh. An update is planned for 2026, but Apple is likely going to wait to launch it after Siri AI launches in iOS 27. Design Apple TV design updates don't happen often, and that's not changing. The next Apple TV is going to have the same squircle shape as the current model, and it'll continue to be made from a black...
iphone 16 teal

'Siri AI' Lawsuit Update: Apple to Pay Owners of These iPhone Models

Thursday July 9, 2026 7:08 am PDT by
In May, Apple agreed to pay $250 million to settle a U.S. class action lawsuit over Siri AI's delayed launch, and eligible iPhone users could receive up to a $95 payout. This week, the California court overseeing the case held a hearing regarding preliminary approval of the settlement, but the judge has not yet issued a ruling. It will likely be at least a few more months before eligible...
iphone 16e usb c feature

Apple Begins Selling a $419 iPhone

Monday July 6, 2026 6:29 am PDT by
Apple recently added the iPhone 16e to its refurbished store, with U.S. pricing starting as low as $419 for a model with 128GB of storage. Originally released in February 2025, the iPhone 16e is a lower-end device with a 6.1-inch OLED display, an A18 chip with 8GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence support, a single 48-megapixel rear camera, a 12-megapixel front camera, a USB-C port, an Action...

Top Rated Comments

174 months ago
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:
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
baryon Avatar
174 months ago
Isn't it spelt differently enough?
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
174 months ago
1 billion pesos settlement


or 20 dollars, whichever is greater
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bradl Avatar
174 months ago
On one hand Apple started the whole 'i' thing;
*ahem*Cisco*ahem* ;)


but iFone was started in 2003 here.....so Apple is technically wrong and should have lost this case.
This would be a proper example of prior art coming into play and prevailing; something the USPTO should take notes on.

BL.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Renzatic Avatar
174 months ago
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.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Bubba Satori Avatar
174 months ago
Apple should just buy Mexico.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)