Blog Editors
Recent Posts
Analyzing Tech Regulation: Shapiro's Critique and Policy Recommendations
UPCOMING EVENT: Automated Decision-Making Technology and Artificial Intelligence
Free Speech and Trademark Law Clash in Vidal v. Elster
Using Technical Solutions to Address Issues in Privacy Law: A Talk by Professor Zubair Shafiq
An Introduction to Venture Capital
Archive
California AB 1844 and the Role of Social Media in the Employment Process
Mobile Patent Wars Heat Up as USPTO Invalidates Key Apple Patents
Star Wars v. Finding Nemo: Did Disney Overpay for Lucasfilm?
The Rise and Growth of Crowdfunding Websites
Zappos, Online Contracts, and the Perils of Browsewrap Agreements
A General History of Western Trade Secret Law from the Time of Preliterate Society to Today - Pt. 2
Apple and Google Consider Arbitration for Worldwide Patent Disputes
A General History of Western Trade Secret Law from the Time of Preliterate Society to Today - Pt. 1
Apple's Slide to Unlock Patent and the Issue of Patent Continuations
Funding Your Project Pt. 1: Kickstarter and Lockitron
Apple's Double Standard: Apple's Contentions with MySpace and Samsung Icons
Sprinting Towards Success? SoftBank’s Investment in the US Market
Google News Under Fire Around the World
Court Fines Man $1.5 Million for Uploading 10 Porn Flicks to BitTorrent
After Settlement For Trademark Infringement, Could Apple Face Further Legal Turmoil for its iPad Clock Icon?
Posted By Heather Marchione, Jan 21, 2013
Apple included a clock app for iPads that used an already trademarked image as its icon. Swiss railway operator SBB took note of Apple’s clock icon’s striking similarity to their trademarked clock design, and made their displeasure known to Apple. Apple moved quickly to strike a deal with SBB, apparently eager to continue using the design and to avoid litigation. SBB agreed to license the clock design to Apple for a $21 million “lump sum” payment. SBB, however, did not have the right to license the design to Apple according to Mondaine, a clock and watch manufacturer with an exclusive license from SBB for the clock design. Under an exclusive license, Mondaine is the only company other than SBB with legitimate rights to the design. Mondaine co-owner Andre Berheim lightened the mood a bit by saying: “Apple shows great taste by choosing this design for their clock on their devices, and now, the owners of Mondaine watches and clocks as well as iPad owners can even enjoy the same distinct design.” It is not yet known whether or not Mondaine will pursue the matter. Source (CultofMac): http://www.cultofmac.com/191924/apple-accused-of-ripping-off-ipad-clock-design-in-ios-6-from-the-swiss/ Source (CultofMac): http://www.cultofmac.com/196158/apples-deal-for-swiss-clock-design-breaks-mondaines-exclusive-licensing-agreement/#cipT5lUuLiY8032j.99 Source (CNET): http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57548115-37/time-is-money-apple-pays-$21m-for-clock-design-says-report/