Known for being overly protective of its “i” brand, Apple has taken aim at another iPhone case manufacturer whose name is dangerously close to that of Apple’s most popular products. The company in question is called “driPhone,” and it produces a waterproof case for the iPhone and other mobile devices. But that could be about to change if Apple has its way.
driPhone was created by Hayden Crowther, who is the latest to feel the wrath of Apple’s legal team. The Cupertino company states that Crowther’s product is likely to “deceive or cause confusion” because its name is so similar to the iPhone brand, and it is now working to have to block the trademark request in New Zealand.
But Apple isn’t being unreasonable here. It doesn’t want Crother to cease creating his case; all it wants is for one letter in its name to be changed from an “i” to a “y.” “DryPhone” instead of “driPhone.” The company argues, “the applicant’s trademark, or an essential element of it, is identical or similar to a trademark that is well-known in New Zealand [iPhone].”
There’s no denying Crowther’s product name is very similar, and actually, we think Apple’s request might be a blessing in disguise. The driPhone name looks a lot like a contraction of “Doctor iPhone” to us, whereas “DryPhone” seems to be more suited to a waterproof iPhone case.
But Crowther won’t give in easily. He feels Apple’s complaint holds “little weight,” and refuses to rebrand his product. The driPhone logo takes up less space, Crowther says, and it would be cheaper for him to fight Apple’s complaint than to change his branding. Crowther has until April 1 to respond, but it is unlikely that he will comply with Apple’s request, with plans to trademark the driPhone name in the rest of the world.
[via The Next Web]
