UK Apple Shop Forced To Change Its Name

tlhIngan writes "The Apple Shop, in Norfolk, UK is a little corner store that sells apple products. Not Apple products, but apple products, in this case, cider. However, it's been forced to change its name to the Norfolk Cider Shop. However, the name change did not come from any lawsuit from Apple (the Cupertino one, that is), nor has there been any evidence that Apple (Cupertino) knew about them. Instead, they're changing their name because their phones have been ringing constantly from people seeking help with their Apple (Cupertino) products. Apple (Cupertino) opened an Apple store in 2009 in the nearby (larger) town of Norwich."

Comments

So by forced, they mean chose

[Stewie241]

So by forced to change their name, what they really mean is they chose to change their name because people were mistaking them for the Apple Store?

Re:So by forced, they mean chose

[erpbridge]

Had that been the case, them including the service of consulting, repairing, recommending, or selling Apple (Cupertino) branded products or accessories, that probably would have given Apple (Cupertino) the necessary ammunition to sue them to change their name... even if the apple (fruit) products were the primary function of the store still.

It sounds like a lose/lose... Either you get the phone ringing, taking up your time and business and pulling you away from your customers walking in the door, to the point you change your name... or you take advantage of the opportunity, and open yourself up to being sued for the name.

Re:So by forced, they mean chose

[martin-boundary]

It sounds like a lose/lose/win... Either you get the phone ringing, taking up your time and business and pulling you away from your customers walking in the door, to the point you change your name... or you take advantage of the opportunity, and open yourself up to being sued for the name.

...or you set up an automatic answering machine:

"Welcome to the Apple Shop. We specialize in cider and cider related products.

If you would like help with your computer, press 1.

For any other enquiries regarding cider products, press 2.

...

1. "The Apple Shop does not sell computer products. Please wait to be transferred to Apple customer service in Norwich. You will be charged 30p for this transfer."

2. "Apple Shop. Hello, how may I help hou?"

There, FTFY.

Re:So by forced, they mean chose

[Anonymous Coward]

I'm guessing they're happy selling cider and don't have any interest or expertise in servicing computers.

So what you're saying, is they are exactly like the other Apple stores.

Impressive!

[gazbo]

I mean I guess the summary could have been written in a more cunty way, but I don't see how. So high fives all round!

What's that sound I hear?

[Twinbee]

...Almost like the roar of a thousand pitchforks being summoned out, and then calmly put back. (I admit to being a little annoyed for a second myself).

apple is still evil

[alen]

i mean who names a computer company after a fruit, so all the fruit sellers get spammed with calls about computers?

Missed a golden opportunity.

[Anonymous Coward]

How much money could they have made letting some guy from a PC maker come in and be their receptionist? He could listen to their problems, then lead them on a chase through trouble-shooting land, and say at the end, "well, maybe you should have bought a PC, genius!) And hang UP. Then that person, angry at what he BELIEVES is Apple Corp. tech support, and switches to a PC. Apple (of Cupertino) sufffers, eventually failing.

Tell customers ...

[PPH]

... you'd be more than happy to help them out with their problems if they just bring their apples in.

Just put them in the cider press and Voila! No more problems!