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.
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.
Via ZDnet
Nicole Martinelli is a San Francisco freelance writer who heads up Cult of Mac Magazine, our weekly publication available on iTunes. You can find her on Twitter and Google+. If you’re doing something new, cool and Apple-related, email her.
