Apple Logo Copyright

[MACkeral]

Hi All,

Was just reading up on the usage of the Apple Logo and came across this:


3. Variations, Takeoffs or Abbreviations: You may not use an image of a real apple or other variation of the Apple logo for any purpose. Third parties cannot use a variation, phonetic equivalent, foreign language equivalent, takeoff, or abbreviation of an Apple trademark for any purpose. For example:

Not acceptable: Appletree Jackintosh Apple Cart PodMart



Who are Apple to have a law that states you cannot use the image of an Apple? I thought only GOD was allowed those privileges!

Regards

John

 

[Hellhammer]

I'm pretty sure that is what Apple states, it is not a law by any means.

 

[MACkeral]

Exactly, so why would they state it if it is not law. If I use a real apple how can they sue me?

Regards

John

 

[stickybuns]

Try reading the introduction to the page:

These guidelines are for Apple licensees, authorized resellers, developers, customers, and other parties wishing to use Apple’s trademarks, service marks or images in promotional, advertising, instructional, or reference materials, or on their web sites, products, labels, or packaging. Use of the "keyboard" Apple Logo (Option-Shift-K) for commercial purposes without the prior written consent of Apple may constitute trademark infringement and unfair competition in violation of federal and state laws. Use of Apple trademarks may be prohibited, unless expressly authorized.

 

[Jaffa Cake]

Is the extract from their corporate guidelines for using their logo? If so, I would imagine the point is that if you're an Apple reseller or similar and you're advertising the fact that you sell Apple products you need to show their proper logo – not use a picture of a real apple in its place, or faff around with their logo in any way.

It's a pretty standard thing for such guidelines to state if so.

 

[stickybuns]

Exactly, so why would they state it if it is not law. If I use a real apple how can they sue me?

Regards

John

Same way that you'd be sued (or more likely receive a cease and desist letter) if you used McDonald's golden arches, Nike's swoosh, or the Olympic's golden rings for your next commercial venture--by being in violation of another entities legally protected registered trademark.

In order to keep the rights to its trademark, Apple MUST defend it. The threshold for trademark infringement is that there is reasonable concern for confusion. If you decided to open a computer store or a grocery store or a children's clothing store or a carwash and used a photograph of an apple with a bite taken out of it for your promotional materials, will consumers be likely to believe that you are selling Apple products?

http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/metaschool/fisher/domain/tm.htm

 

[*LTD*]

Who are Apple to have a law that states you cannot use the image of an Apple? I thought only GOD was allowed those privileges!

Regards

John

Did you actually believe that?

You may not use an image of a real apple

. . . to represent Apple the company.

This actually makes sense.

 

[stickybuns]

I'm pretty sure that is what Apple states, it is not a law by any means.

Actually, it most certainly IS the law. One of the requisites of a registered trademark is that the right's holder defends that trademark. All corporations have guidelines for how their logos may be used:

http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/mcd/n...brary/image_gallery_terms_and_conditions.html
http://www.nikecorporatesales.com/resources/public/downloads/Docs/logousage.pdf
https://www.customerelation.com/Starbucks/Downloads/Starbucks Card Brand Guidelines.pdf

 

[AppleScruff1]

And don't forget that the apple logo was actually copied from the Beatles Apple Records.

 

[Benbikeman]

Yes, they are stating that you cannot use a real apple to represent Apple the company. They are not attempting to stop you using a real apple for other purposes.