Usage of apple logo

[JackResearcher]

Hi there, we are working on an iPhone application, which allows users to put the logo of their favorite brands on their profile page. It does not make any revenue for us (not on this way anyway), but allows users to show to the other users they are committed to for example Apple/Nike/Puma/etc ... lets them express that they are real proud owner its products.

Apple website does not say clearly anything about this (says no to anything by default) as it is not an advantage for us, it is free advertisement for them and the other brands.

Question is is there any legal way to use the logo on this way, or is there any way to ask Apple about their opinion? I haven't found any contact/link to raise this question as it is not product related.

Thanks for the advices in advance!

 

[Gav2k]

Hi there, we are working on an iPhone application, which allows users to put the logo of their favorite brands on their profile page. It does not make any revenue for us (not on this way anyway), but allows users to show to the other users they are committed to for example Apple/Nike/Puma/etc ... lets them express that they are real proud owner its products.

Apple website does not say clearly anything about this (says no to anything by default) as it is not an advantage for us, it is free advertisement for them and the other brands.

Question is is there any legal way to use the logo on this way, or is there any way to ask Apple about their opinion? I haven't found any contact/link to raise this question as it is not product related.

Thanks for the advices in advance!

They have a press/advertising office which you could contact and ask as it would be advertising in a way. But yes you need to ask first it's a trademark after all.

 

[maflynn]

They own it so you'll need to ask them. I will say Apple protects its trademarks pretty zealously. I remember a few years ago when they sued people for having "pod" in in their products and websites, as they worked on protecting their iPod trademark.

 

[dejo]

I would probably contact Apple Legal.

 

[pdjudd]

Given how protective Apple tends to be with it’s trademarks, I would contact them directly and gain explicit permission. I would never assume that you can use a trademark without impunity unless you have a good lawyer that can give you a solid grounding.