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Apple Takes Action Over Australian Logos
sams67 writes "Australian supermarket Woolworth is on the receiving end of an action from Apple over Woolworth's new logo. The green, highly stylized 'W' logo could at best be described as 'apple-like.' As outlined in the article, Apple is taking similar action in Australia against music festival promoter, Poison Apple, and pay TV provider Foxtel, over their fruit-related logos."
Dumb Aussie Joe Public (no offense to Austrailians but I'm trying to set a scene) may indeed confuse the two especially after a few tinnies.
As has been said, Apple is acting like ANY other trademark owner. You could substitute BMW, Merceded, McDonals etc for Apple. IT is your trademark. If you don't defent it then you set a precedent that means you could lose the rights to in in future.
Nothing to do with Copyright, Patents or DRM.
Simple Trademark protection.
I'd rather be riding my '63 Triumph T120.
There is enough similarity that Apple is obligated to fight for its trademark. I know that U.S. trademark law *requires* you to actively protect your trademark or you could end up losing the trademark completely. Not sure how it applies to international logos, but could be that if they don't protect it internationally, it has the same consequence.
But it is definitely more than just a "stylized W" as Woolworth claims. I have never seen a "W" with a stem. From a distance, it could be mistaken for an Apple and that is enough reason for Apple to take steps to protect it's trademark.