Apple Accused Of Ripping Off iPad Clock Design In iOS 6 From The Swiss

One of the best new additions of iOS 6 for iPad owners is the fact that not only do we finally get the iOS 6 clock app, but it’s absolutely gorgeous… easily Apple’s most attractive app, in my opinion.

The app’s good looks aren’t going unnoticed… and that might spell bad news for Apple. Apparently, the Swiss Federal Railway Service is livid over the clock used in the new app, says they own the trademark on the design.

The clock in question was originally designed by Hans Hilfiker, but is widely considered an icon of the Swiss Federal Railway Service, who say they are the “sole owner of the trademark and copyright of the railway clock.” They now say they’re trying to get in contact with Apple, who hasn’t bothered to contact them to license the design.

Apple Switzerland had no comment on the matter, but looking at the two clocks, it certainly seems as if Apple lifted the design of the clock for the iPad Clock.app from the Swiss. It’s probably not willful, but it does seem sloppy of Apple to not know or not check that that clock design was trademarked.

On their part, the Swiss seem eager to figure out a financial licensing deal, so doubtlessly this will all be settled shortly with a check. Good thing, too… I’ve gotten used to having that clock in my iPad app.

• Source Tagesanzeiger.ch
• Via iDB

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