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Apple Inc. Opposes New York Citys Green Logo Application
Apple Inc. (“Apple”), the maker of iPods and Macintosh computers, has filed an opposition to New York City’s application to register an apple logo as the trade-mark for the city’s “green living” campaign. Apple first registered its apple logo as a trade-mark in 1979 for computers and computer programs. However, in 2002 Apple trade-marked its apple logo for use in publications, which was limited to printed materials in business and technology-related fields.
On the other hand, New York City has been called “The Big Apple” since at least the 1940s. However, NYC has never applied for or registered any trade-marks relating to “The Big Apple”.
In May 2007, NYC filed a trade-mark application for registration of its green logo, which it is presently using for its green living campaign. In January 2008, Apple challenged NYC’s application on grounds that NYC’s logo was too similar to Apple’s logo, and as such, would result in confusion among consumers. Apple claims that granting registration to NYC’s logo will damage Apple’s business and that Apple’s fame will be diluted.
Both logos depict a plump apple with a leaf. Apple’s logo is white, with its signature bite mark. NYC’s logo is a green, figure-eight outline reminiscent of an infinity sign, with a stem, and the word “greenNYC” under it. The trade-mark opposition is before the United States Trade-mark Trial and Appeal Board, and the matter is expected to last until late 2009.
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