Apple Threatens Lawsuit over GreeNYC Logo

According to a local Fox television station in New York City, Apple has filed an official objection to New York City’s attempt to trademark a new logo in the shape of an apple for its GreeNYC campaign.

Apple alleges that the logo used by GreeNYC closely resembles the emblem it uses on iPhones, iPods and iMac computers.

The company argues that an early placement of the GreeNYC logo on reusable shopping bags, produced in conjunction with Whole Foods, is causing mass confusion.

“[GreeNYC’s logo] so closely resembles Apple’s that its use is likely to cause confusion, mistake or deception in the minds of consumers,” - argues Apple.

The city’s tourism and marketing office filed its trademark application last May. The Cupertino-based Apple contends in its federal challenge that the logo is too similar to its own emblem, which has been used since 1977.

New York, in response, quickly filed a counterclaim to have Apple’s case thrown out claiming the computer company is asking for overly broad protection, and citing differences between both logos, and the fact that Apple Inc does not sell mugs, caps or other items, making confusion unlikely.

New York City has been called The Big Apple since at least the 1940s, according to The Society for New York City History. But the city does not own any trademarks related to “The Big Apple” phrase, according to U.S. Patent and Trademark Office records.