Josh OngFortune reports that Apple has only recently "begun reaching out to companies to enforce" its Guidelines for Third Party Promotions. The current version of the two-page document dates back to at least April 2010, but contest organizers haven't always followed it.
For instance, the guidelines specifically state that "iPad, iPhone and the iPhone Gift Card may not be used in third-party promotions." However, iPads and iPhones are currently featured in a number of giveaways. As demand for the iPad and iPhone has surged in recent years, a growing number of companies and institutions have sought to capitalize on Apple's valuable brand cachet by running promotions promising free devices.
Apple does allow promotional use of the iPod touch "in special circumstances," but only with a minimum purchase of 250 units. The guidelines also forbid the use of the Myriad Set font "on or in connection with web sites, products, packaging, manuals, or promotional/advertising materials."
In an effort to prevent the Apple brand from being diluted, the company prohibits "The use of "free" as a modifier in any Apple product reference in a prominent manner (headlines, call- outs, etc.) is prohibited." Apple also requires that "all marketing materials related to the promotion of Apple products" be submitted for review.
The guidelines also strictly govern how Apple products are depicted in promotional materials. The iPad maker requires that "only the most current Apple products" be featured and product photos cannot be altered, partially displayed, or cluttered with "props, models or marketing messages."
While such a document is standard practice for corporations, the news that Apple has begun to more strictly enforce these guidelines appears to indicate the company is tightening up control of its brand.
Christine McKee
Malcolm Owen
Amber Neely
31 Comments
If I want to buy an iPad and give it away for free to promote something. I'm going to do it. They can go to hell. Apple has quickly changed into Microsoft over the past few years. Sad times.
If I want to buy an iPad and give it away for free to promote something. I'm going to do it. They can go to hell. Apple has quickly changed into Microsoft over the past few years. Sad times.
Important to note, this only applies to iPads and iPhones purchased under a special promotional agreement, specifically the agreement they sent out. No, Apple cannot stop you from buying an iPad and giving it away in a promotion. Apple can stop you from buying it under a special program and giving it away.
http://apple.slashdot.org/story/11/0...iPad-Giveaways
They can't prevent you from giving it away. However, they can prevent you from using the term 'iPad' in any of your advertising materials since that's a trademarked term. You could probably get away with advertising it as a touch screen tablet thingy and Apple wouldn't have a problem with that.
The fewer "Shoot the iPhone to win!" ads I see, the better.
Sorry, but if you are out to just ride a wave of popularity and brand good will - I think you should really be fucking put in a straight jacket. What I'm tired of is promoters taking something, cheapening it up, and then whoring it out on the street for fun and profit. It happens to everything from Coke Zero to Miley Cyrus.
American culture does this; Apple putting an end to it is fine by me. I never liked this facet. If someone feels as if their freedoms are limited then perhaps you can trash another brand with crap good will. Perhaps a Motorola Xoom will suit your needs.