Update: Apple Logo Dispute Down Under

Update: Apple Logo Dispute Down Under

@www.danielbowen.com

Australian retailer Woolworths is buying time in the latest Apple logo dispute.

At the core of the corporate tussle is a “W” logo of a peeled apple with leaf filed back in August 2008 for the 80-year-old supermarket chain.

The new logo was supposed to symbolize fresh produce, but speculation was that Apple opposed it because the retailer might also slap blanket trademark on “fresh” computer products and home electronics, causing confusion for customers. Woolworths already sells own-brand credit cards and mobile phone plans.

Update: Apple Logo Dispute Down Under

Apple lawyers have filed evidence to support its opposition to the trademark application to  IP Australia, the federal agency that governs trademarks down under. Woolworths missed the Jan. 27 deadline to respond and filed for a three-month extension. (Maybe they have to come up with a new concept for their iPad line, too?)

Like most trademark questions, this is unlikely to be resolved quickly.   The grocer can also apply for more than one extension,  then Apple has time to answer and can also apply for extensions if necessary, too.
“Evidence in reply [from Apple] was due approximately six months after Woolworths lodges their reply to Apple’s claims,” a spokesperson for IP Australia told ZDNet.com.au “That time may also be extended by Apple,” the spokesperson said.

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Via ZDnet

About the author

nicole_martinelli

Nicole Martinelli is a San Francisco native who has lived in Milan and Florence, Italy. She's written for Wired.com, The New York Times and Newsweek. You can find her on Twitter , Facebook and Google+.

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  • Jim

    I don’t see an apple, I see a pumpkin. Maybe they should color it orange.

  • JustaGuy

    I really don’t think they look similar enough for this to be an issue. Even trying I wouldn’t make the connection.

  • KenseiDave

    Honestly. Anyone walking into Woolies thinking that they are buying and very cheap Apple conputer even though the box clearly says Woolworths, deserves everything they get.

  • Rory Parker

    Everyone knows that Woolworths isn’t fresh at all though.
    Its ridiculous.

  • Don Pope

    Frickin lawyers!

  • James

    Crush Woolworths! The duopoly chokehold that they and Coles have on the Australian people is insane – and don’t put it past them to do everything that Apple is concerned they may do. They have now pretty much taken over the fuel industry here too. Can’t be trusted AT ALL.

  • Guy

    As Woolworths is always looking to expand into new areas (to continue the profit growth expected by all the mum and dad shareholders), the concern is that it may start a chain of computer shops.

    Imagine a computer shop with the large green apple on it.

    This is probably why Apple is challenging it.

  • Brendan

    I love Apple products, I hate Apple Lawyers! They have taken this too far and are just making money for themselves, keeping themselves employed…

  • Brendan N

    @Guy Wollworths already owns chains of computer stores, Tandy and DSE.