Apple has lost the rights to use the 'iPhone' trademark in Brazil, reports the BBC.
Brazilian regulators have ruled that Apple does not have exclusive rights to use the "iPhone" trademark in the country. The decision is the result of a local company, Gradiente Eletronica, registering the name in 2000, seven years before the US firm.
Apple declined to comment; however, a Institute of Industrial Property spokesperson said the company was pursuing an appeal.
The decision only applies to handsets so Apple can continue to use the name for clothing, in software and across publications. If Apple continues selling iPhone branded smartphones, Gradiente can sue.
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Brazilian regulators have ruled that Apple does not have exclusive rights to use the "iPhone" trademark in the country. The decision is the result of a local company, Gradiente Eletronica, registering the name in 2000, seven years before the US firm.
Apple declined to comment; however, a Institute of Industrial Property spokesperson said the company was pursuing an appeal.
The decision only applies to handsets so Apple can continue to use the name for clothing, in software and across publications. If Apple continues selling iPhone branded smartphones, Gradiente can sue.
Read More