Any merit?

Apple filed a federal trademark infringement suit against the City of New York and their GreeNYC campaign. GreeNYC created a logo that is being used on bus shelters, hybrid gasoline-electric taxicabs and even Whole Foods shopping bags. Apple says the logo looks too much like their logo and people may confuse the two.

Apple is claiming the GreeNYC mark will "seriously injure the reputation which [Apple] has established for its goods and services."

"This well-known city is using its new design in a variety of contexts that have absolutely nothing to do with Apple Inc.," New York City claims.

What do you think? Is Apple overreacting? Or has New York City bitten off more than it can chew?

Comments

[Sue]

I can kind of see where they are coming from. But just viewing the NYC logo - I personally wouldn't think of the Apple corporation.

[Anonymous]

lawyers out of control again

[Pretty Ditty]

Last I checked, Adam and Eve were the original users of the apple symbol (original sin). Is Apple going to sue the local church for associating their symbol with a religion? I can't help but think of the song..."you're so vain...you probably think this song is about you..."

[Servidores]

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[Kathy]

Hi I just stumbled into your blog via dooce...I think if I were Apple I would be a little irritated with New York City. Even though Apple's apple clearly has a bite taken out of it...they are pretty similar...but New York IS the big apple, what were they supposed to use!?! This is a tough one. I say sue the pants off those city slickers.

A hug. (weirdo.)