Apple to lose iPhone trademark in Brazil
Here’s something you don’t read about every day – Apple actually admitting defeat. Mark your calendars as this won’t be happening any time soon.
Brazil’s copyright regulator has stated that Apple will not be allowed to use the ‘iPhone’ brand in Brazil, since the brand was previously registered to another local company. The company in question, IGB Eletrônica SA, registered the ‘iPhone’ name back in 2000, which was a long time before Apple announced its iPhone in 2007. In December 2012 IGB Eletrônica released an Android phone called IPHONE Neo One, retailing for about $300. The official ruling on the case will be announced on Feb 13th.
Reports say that Apple might challenge the ruling in court, given that it doesn’t want its precious iPhone brand to be associated with a low-cost smartphone. Or they could just pay off IGB Eletrônica instead…
(via Reuters)
