Question.4861 - 7.3 [Discussion] Apple vs. the World, a Trademark Study Previous Next View topic instructions.In 2008, Apple, Inc., no stranger to trademark disputes, moved to block GreeNYC, a New York City environmental campaign, from trademarking their logo. (Part of the trademarking process allows parties to oppose pending applications.) Apple claimed that the GreeNYC logo could cause "consumer confusion resulting in damage and injury" to Apple, as well as "dilution of the distinctiveness of Apple's trademark."New York City maintained that no consumer was likely to be confused and that Apple's claim lacked merit.In 2009, Apple similarly moved to block the Australian company Woolworths (a retail chain unrelated to the American department store founded in the 1800s) from trademarking a new logo, contending that if the Australian trademark office allowed the registration, Woolworths would be able to affix the logo to multiple products, including electronics (which they already made) and cause confusion among consumers (Raphael).What do you think? As a consumer, would the GreeNYC proposed logo or that of Australia's Woolworths cause confusion? Would you associate either one or both with Apple, Inc.? Why or why not? Survey your friends. How many say they would be confused? Do you think Apple is right to so vigorously protect its company identity?Start a New ThreadDiscussionFilter by:All ThreadsTop of FormSort by:Most Recent Activity Least Recent Activity Newest Thread Oldest Thread Author First Name A-Z Author First Name Z-A Author Last Name A-Z Author Last Name Z-A Subject A-Z Subject Z-A Bottom of FormTop of FormBalfour_7.3 [Discussion] Apple vs. the World, a Trademark StudyIs HighlightedRaelyn Balfour posted Mar 18, 2025 4:03 AMSubscribedBased on my understanding, me being a consumer (also a graphic designer), it is unlikely that GreeNYC or Woolworths logos would cause confusion with Apple's logo, as observed in all the logos that are centered around the theme of an apple fruit shape with visual execution in varied color schemes and branding context speak difference. Considering Apple's logo - which is sleek with a metallic finish with a bite taken out, symbolizing sophisticated high technology with minimalism, while in contrast, the GreeNYC logo is a muted green apple-like logo depicting a sense of eco-friendly theme to communicate environmental awareness, it appears to be a natural imagery adopting elements of swirling of roots. Woolworth's logo implies the letter "W" stylized in an apple fruit with a swirled design depicting consumer goods that could be fresh, unlike electronics. However, from branding perspective, Apple's concern over dilution is understandable, as trademark protection requires vigilance to maintain distinctiveness, but claiming potential consumer confusion is weak (although the brand could be well known in terms of being identified by their logo), trade laws tend to allow companies to protect their identities but generally focuses on whether an average consumer would mistakenly associate the logo with a particular brand’s products or services. I believe conducting a market analysis (considering all three companies' operational markets) would likely reveal that most people associated the logo of an apple with technology, which automatically puts Apple's aggressive defense of brand identity to be strategic since it is allied with visual language and industry focus, but on the ethical front, drawing on a real-world example - in scenario, I have a startup to deliver fresh fruits in 10 mins to the local areas by building smaller hubs, and my company vision/mission resembles apple fruit as an character - I would be forced to make it look less like Apple company logo, don't you guys think it is a tussle between protecting logo of a well-known brand while hampering creative scope of sprouting entrepreneurs?more0 Unread0Unread0 Replies0Replies0 Views0ViewsApple vs. the World, a Trademark StudyContains unread postsEric Meeks posted Mar 11, 2025 7:34 PMSubscribeI would not be confused or would I think of apple products when seeing the trademark for Woolworths. I also showed my family the Woolworths images and asked what came to mind for the company and none of them said apple. I personally feel it is a stretch to say you would confuse them with anything apple based only on the logo. If you were to make a laptop that was the same color / shape as an apple with the logo in the same spot, then maybe, but you wouldn't be saying it was an apple computer because of the simple logo but of the overall product look.more1 Unread1Unread1 Replies1Replies5 Views5ViewsView profile card for Christopher BraunLast post March 12 at 8:44 AM by Christopher Braun7.3 [Discussion] Apple vs. the World, a Trademark StudyContains unread postsMark Teale Vucinich posted Mar 12, 2025 4:27 PMSubscribeI personally would not find the logos of GreeNYC and Australia's Woolworth confusing or similar to the logo of Apple, Inc. Not only are the apples a different shape and a totally different design, but the color is the big game changer here for me. If the colors were the same as Apple, Inc's, then I could see why there would be some confusion. I would assume Apple was just concerned because they would prefer to not have any other company with a logo that's even somewhat similar to theirs, in any way shape or form. My family would also agree that they were not confused or thrown off by the similarity of the logos. I get where Apple is coming from in a sense, but I don't think this issue is big enough or worth pursuing too deeply.more1 Unread1Unread1 Replies1Replies2 Views2ViewsView profile card for Christopher BraunLast post March 13 at 7:43 AM by Christopher BraunThe RidiculousnessContains unread postsRobert Clemons posted Mar 12, 2025 4:56 PMSubscribeI would be much more likely to confuse the Woolsworth and GreeNYC logos. The apple logo could never be confused with the two other organizations. This of course is an attempt by Apple to throw its weight around and bully smaller organizations. Apple is of course allowed to make these attempts but I do not think they are right in any way shape or form to so ludicrously attempt to protect their identity. One of the myriad problems with our government's treatment of corporations is highlighted in these motions. Even Apple knows that no one is going to confuse these logos, but they want to have a monopoly on the symbol of a common fruit. And that of course is not right or even sane.more2 Unread2Unread2 Replies2Replies5 Views5ViewsView profile card for Christopher BraunLast post March 13 at 7:40 AM by Christopher Braun7.3 [Discussion] Apple vs. the World, a Trademark StudyContains unread postsAdeline Greenleaf posted Mar 13, 2025 7:52 AMSubscribeAs a consumer, I don’t think the GreeNYC logo would be confused with Apple’s trademark. Apple’s brand is defined by its iconic bitten apple and can be recognized world wide, but GreeNYC’s focus on environmental awareness makes it clear that they’re in a completely different space. Even if GreeNYC used a green apple shape in their design, the context and purpose of the campaign promoting sustainability rather than tech innovation would make it hard for anyone to mistake it for an Apple product.With Woolworths, Apple’s argument makes a little more sense because the company does sell electronics, but their logo doesn’t resemble Apple’s bitten apple design in a way that would make consumers think they are related. Just because a company uses an apple shape or produces electronics doesn’t mean it’s trying to copy Apple.more1 Unread1Unread1 Replies1Replies3 Views3ViewsView profile card for Christopher BraunLast post March 13 at 8:02 AM by Christopher Braun7.3Contains unread postsLeslie Boyle posted Mar 13, 2025 10:17 AMSubscribeThe GreeNYC logo is unlikely to cause confusion with Apple, as their markets and purposes are very different. However, Woolworths' logo could potentially confuse consumers, especially if it were similar in style or if the company expanded into electronics. Apple is justified in protecting its brand to avoid consumer confusion and preserve its identity in the market.more0 Unread0Unread0 Replies0Replies1 Views1Views7.3 [Discussion] Apple vs. the World, a Trademark StudyContains unread postsJessica Jailall posted Mar 13, 2025 10:49 PMSubscribeI don’t think the GreeNYC or Woolworths logo would cause confusion with Apple’s logo, but I do think it would cause confusion with each other. I can see similarities between each other, for example the green outline and the swirl design in the center of the apple. I wouldn’t confuse any of these with Apple products or the brand because its logo has been the same for years, and it is easily recognized by anyone. There is a clear difference between these logos and the Apple logo. I understand why Apple is vigorously attempting to protect its company’s identity, but these logos are not a threat. I can also see why it might be a problem if the Woolworths add this logo to electronics, but I don’t think anyone would associate these products with Apple, it would seem more like a knockoff brand. I asked a few family and friends if they would be confused about these logos with the Apple logo, and they all said no. My sister even said the logo for GreeNYC looks like it's for a health company, not Apple. more1 Unread1Unread1 Replies1Replies4 Views4ViewsView profile card for Christopher BraunLast post March 14 at 8:18 AM by Christopher Braun7.3 TrademarkContains unread postsCadee Couvillion posted Mar 14, 2025 1:16 PMSubscribeApple's concern over trademark dilution is understandable, but the likelihood of consumer confusion depends on how similar the logos are. If GreeNYC and Woolworths' logos closely resembled Apple's iconic apple shape, consumers might mistakenly associate them with Apple. However, the designs are distinct and used in different industries, the confusion argument weakens. While Apple's aggressive protection of its brand is a common corporate strategy, it can sometimes overreach, especially when the risk of actual consumer confusion is minimal. more0 Unread0Unread0 Replies0Replies1 Views1Views7.3 [Discussion] Apple vs. the World, a Trademark StudyContains unread postsAria Borealis posted Mar 14, 2025 2:23 PMSubscribeI understand Apple's standpoint in protecting against any confusion that may happen in the future. Apple acts like it also owns the apple as an image symbol, but why are other companies not using a banana or a plant? Another design could be possible. In this case, I understand Apple because different companies may seek public recognition and use this advantage to manipulate consumers. Even though they are not similar designs, and the logo itself color and design are different to consumers' eye, it might remind them of Apple, and everyone trusts the company, so they might shop more or buy more products from these companies or support the campaign they have. So, Apple is correct in preventing any confusion or possible customer feedback. Logos don't have to be precisely the same to use one famous brand name and fame for your benefit. Many clothing brands are making similar trademarks and designs to take advantage of famous similar ones to attract more customers. It is a trick to catch more eyes and attention in the design world. more1 Unread1Unread1 Replies1Replies5 Views5ViewsView profile card for Christopher BraunLast post yesterday at 10:32 AM by Christopher Braun7.3 [Discussion] Apple vs. the World, a Trademark StudyContains unread postsLuis Franchi posted Mar 14, 2025 3:13 PMSubscribeI personally don’t think the GreeNYC or Woolworths logos would cause confusion with Apple, Inc. Apple’s logo is one of the most recognizable in the world, and its sleek, minimalist design with a bitten apple is very distinct. Based on what I know, neither of these logos look anything like Apple’s in a way that would make me associate them with the brand.For GreeNYC, the fact that it was an environmental campaign, not a tech company, makes Apple’s claim seem like a stretch. No one is going to mistake a city’s sustainability program for an Apple product. As for Woolworths, while they do sell electronics, their logo would have to be extremely similar to Apple’s for it to create real confusion. Just because a company sells electronics doesn’t mean its logo will automatically be mistaken for Apple’s.I asked a few friends, and none of them thought these logos would make them think of Apple. It feels like Apple was being overly aggressive in protecting its brand. While I get that they want to prevent actual brand dilution, going after logos that have little resemblance to theirs seems unnecessary. In my opinion, companies should protect their identity, but not to the point where they are blocking unrelated businesses just because they use a rounded shape or a leaf in their design.more1 Unread1Unread1 Replies1Replies3 Views3ViewsView profile card for Christopher BraunLast post yesterday at 10:29 AM by Christopher Braun7.3 [Discussion] Apple vs. the World, a Trademark StudyContains unread postsAlexus Sorenson posted Mar 15, 2025 11:41 AMSubscribeApple's aggressive trademark protection strategy raises an interesting debate about brand identity and consumer perception. On one hand, Apple has a right to defend its trademark from potential dilution, ensuring that its iconic logo remains distinct. However, the question remains: would consumers actually confuse the GreeNYC or Woolworths logos with Apple's?Looking at the GreeNYC case, it's hard to imagine that a city-run environmental initiative would be mistaken for a tech giant. The purpose, branding, and industry are entirely different. Similarly, Woolworths’ logo—though incorporating a stylized apple shape—represents a grocery and retail business, making direct confusion with Apple’s electronics seem unlikely.That said, Apple’s stance likely stems from a long-term branding strategy rather than immediate consumer confusion. By opposing trademarks that even vaguely resemble its own, Apple ensures that no other company slowly chips away at its distinctiveness over time.What do you think? Would you personally confuse these logos with Apple’s? Do you believe Apple is right to take such a strong stance?more1 Unread1Unread1 Replies1Replies4 Views4ViewsView profile card for Christopher BraunLast post yesterday at 10:27 AM by Christopher Braun7.3 Apple Vs the WorldContains unread postsWhitney Kiesel posted Mar 16, 2025 12:54 AMSubscribeAt first, I thought Apple is being a bit dramatic and controlling about it. I understand they have their logo and the right to it but not everything and every apple design ever but I also understand its business, so they are protecting themselves. When I asked others they said that they don't many similarities beside the usage of an apple, but think they would've done the same thing as Apple. People that buy from Apple and the others will likely not cause confusion but if someone who was not aware of these companies might think they might be think they are related. I think this is all about branding and the are not trying to relate to other companies. This is hard because all companies are long lasting but if Apple has a trademark on the Apple then I understand why they are strict with the regulars and logo protection.more0 Unread0Unread0 Replies0Replies1 Views1Views7.3 [Discussion] Apple vs. the World, a Trademark StudyContains unread postsJose Sanchez posted Mar 16, 2025 2:11 PMSubscribePersonally, I will never mistakes Apple logo for any of the proposed logos Green NYC or Australia's Woolworths. Apple logo is simple, too iconic and to recognizable to be mistaken with both proposed logos. Over the years Apple has never change their logo only the color. While both of Green NYC and Australia's Woolworths logos are green a color apple never change there logo to in the past. Green NYC and Australia's Woolworths logos even look like letters. Green NYC logo looks like an a and b combine, While Australia's Woolworths logo looks like a w. While Apple logo is just an apple with a bite in it. I think that it is understandable that Apple vigorously protect its company identity, but they need to know they are going too far.more0 Unread0Unread0 Replies0Replies1 Views1Views7.3 [Discussion] Apple vs. the World, a Trademark StudyContains unread postsJezebelle White posted Mar 17, 2025 9:43 AMSubscribeI thought apple was being over the top with their logo but I get that they have the rights to their logo.But not to everything they ever designed.That being said I understand it's all about protecting their brand.People who are are normally buying from them or are used to seeing it they wouldn't really get confused by this.But someone who is unaware of the brand might just think it's a rebrand or like at least from the same company just change of logo.more0 Unread0Unread0 Replies0Replies1 Views1ViewsApple vs. the World, a Trademark StudyContains unread postsChloe Schafer posted Mar 17, 2025 12:16 PMSubscribeI do not think Apple's claims that GreeNYC or Woolworths infringed on their trademark have a legitimate leg to stand on. While the logos are technically all apples, there are very clear distinctions between them and the swirly abstract apples versus the standard apple with a bite out of it. Everyone I asked said Apple would not even cross their minds if they saw the other two images. I think that Woolworths and GreeNYC would have more luck claiming trademark infringement against each other than Apple would with the other two.more1 Unread1Unread1 Replies1Replies2 Views2ViewsView profile card for Christopher BraunLast post yesterday at 1:34 PM by Christopher Braun7.3 Apple vs. the World, a Trademark StudyContains unread postsShariah Brevard posted Mar 17, 2025 11:27 PMSubscribeApple's trademark protection strategy is comprehensible given its strong global brand identity, but whether GreeNYC’s and Woolworths’ branding logos would cause customer confusion is uncertain. The probability of confusion relies on the design similarities, industry overlap, and brand credit. If the logos closely correspond to Apple's apple shape, confusion is more likely. Woolworths' involvement in electronics boosts Apple's claim, as consumers might wrongly associate their yields with Apple, whereas GreeNYC works in a completely different sector, making confusion improbable. Since Apple’s logo is one of the most recognizable globally, even a simple, stylized fruit shape could begin an association in consumers' minds. more0 Unread0Unread0 Replies0Replies0 Views0ViewsApple vs. the World, a Trademark StudyContains unread postsElizabeth Buelna posted Mar 18, 2025 2:09 AMSubscribeI understand that both logos are an apple, but the logos are two completely different colors and shapes. I think there would be some people that would see that apple and relate it to Apple's Apple, because Apple is a huge well-known brand for their apple logo. As for me, I do not see the interference with apple because I can completely tell them apart so would not associate them together. more0 Unread0Unread0 Replies0Replies0 Views0ViewsBottom of Form /1Start a New ThreadPrevious Next Activity DetailsTop of FormTask: Reply to this topic Bottom of FormTop of Form Due March 18 at 11:59 PM Available on Mar 5, 2025 12:00 AM. Submission restricted before availability starts.Bottom of Form

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