Roger Fingas
The founders of an Italian clothing company operating under the name of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs have won the rights to continue using that branding, in spite of a long-running Apple legal challenge.
Vincenzo and Giacomo Barbato first adopted the name in 2012, when they realized that Apple had never trademarked "Steve Jobs," according to La Repubblica Napoli, cited by The Verge. Apple launched a subsequent lawsuit, specifically attacking the company's logo, which features a "J" with a bitemark and a leaf.
An Italian court has ruled that the "J" is distinctive from Apple's logo, as the former isn't edible and thus its bitemark can't be stealing from Apple's design.
The Barbatos are working on a number of Jobs-branded products, such as jeans, t-shirts, and bags. Talking to Business Insider Italia, the pair noted that they eventually want to ship electronics, which could put them in more direct conflict with Apple.
The company normally has little trouble in preserving its trademarks, with some notable exceptions. Last year for instance it lost exclusive rights to the term "iPhone" in China, thanks to a battle with leather goods maker Xintong Tiandi.
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35 Comments
Hey, I’ve got a great idea for a line of “Woz”, “Hair Force One” and “Jony” products. Looks like Italy is the place to go to get them made...
How come Steve Jobs' estate isn't suing for confusion?
I’m thinking Laurene Powell Jobs might have a case against this pice of crap company.
For a moment, I thought it was because Steve Jobs maybe had his jeans made at this place? Of course, then after reading it, it was just because some lowlifes thought they could capitalize someone else.
Oops I forgot to trademark my initials S&M.
Think I should make skinny jeans?