Apple opposes Norwegian political party apple brand

We often follow cases of companies or institutions suing Apple, not the other way around. This time, despite not involving courts, the Cupertino giant opposed the registration of a trademark affiliated with Party of Progress noruegus (Fremskrittspartiet, or FrP), claiming that the party logo (represented by an apple) is very similar to yours.

FrP Brand

The objection was filed late last month to the Norwegian Industrial Property Office by Bryn Aarflot, the patent and intellectual property company representing Apple in the matter. In the Norwegian document, the company states that the FrP brand could be confused with earlier versions of Apple's visual identity.

In the FrP brand, the apple has a white “F” on the front and a green leaf (besides not being “bitten”). However, the fact that Norwegian Trademark Law probes logos that “resemble or incorporate successful and established brand elements,” such as Apple's.

As we said, it is not the business of the company to begin such processes and discussions; However, it is likely that in this case Apple has demanded an intervention because FrP advocates anti-immigration policies that are in line with its philosophy, so the company may be avoiding any association with the Norwegian political party.

The FrP trademark, which is awaiting review by the Norwegian Patent Department, was registered last November for use on a variety of products such as social networks, print materials, clothing, buttons, toys and even kitchen appliances. On the party's website, the mark in question has been used for some time.

It is not yet clear how this issue will be resolved, but Apple plans to provide more documents to support its case. The FrP has until the 28th of this month to submit an answer objection from Ma.

via MacRumors