Apple is reportedly persisting in its quest to obtain exclusive rights to all depictions of the apple fruit in trademark form.
The company, as a trademark owner, is obligated to contest any challenges to its well-known logo. While deliberate infringements can be easily challenged, Apple faces more difficulty when similarities between logos are coincidental or not immediately apparent.
One ongoing battle involves Fruit Union Suisse, an association representing Swiss fruit growers, which has been using a logo featuring a red apple with a white cross for over a century.
Fruit Union Suisse argues that the concept of an apple should be free for all to use and expresses concerns that any visual representation of an apple could be impacted if Apple secures exclusive rights.
The association recently updated its logo to commemorate its 100th year, and Apple has raised concerns about its resemblance to Apple’s previous logo. Apple has applied for the rights to a Granny Smith apple, citing potential confusion in black and white documentation.
Although Apple obtained partial rights in 2022, it is appealing to secure full rights. Apple has made similar trademark requests worldwide, and in 2021, it compelled another company to modify its logo.
