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Apple may soon find themselves in yet another courtroom battle if they aren’t able to resolve a dispute regarding their use of a new feature in iOS 6. Swiss railway operator SBB says Apple stole the look of their iconic station clocks designed by Hans Hilfiker for use in the updated operating system on the iPad.
The clockface is the same one used by watchmaker Mondaine but the key difference is they have a license to use the design. A spokesperson for SBB told the Associated Press they are proud that Cupertino opted to use their 68-year-old design but they hadn’t asked for permission to do so. The company plans to reach out to Apple in an effort to come to an agreement for compensation before taking any legal action.
When compared side-by-side, there’s no denying the two clockfaces are virtually identical. The Verge points out this isn’t the first time that Apple has borrowed heavily from other designs. Their iOS Calculator and Podcasts app are clearly influenced by products from Braun, namely the 1977 Braun ET44 and ET66 calculators and the Braun T 60 reel-to-reel tape recorder, respectively. And yes, we’re talking about the same Braun that produces shaving products today.
The problem lies in the fact that the clockface design in question is still being monetized by the Swiss railway company. If we had to guess, Apple will likely reach a licensing agreement to avoid a lawsuit and negative press that would come along with it.
User Comments: 38
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By now Apple should have a sister companies iSuits, iCourts, iLitigation to tackle their courtroom troubles.
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Apple=china design?
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Dunno about Switzerland, but doesn't a patent/copyright run out after so long? That's a really old clock design.
It's a trademark and yes it runs out but the owner can just refile and keep control of it since trademarks tend to be important icons for the company (like the bitten Apple logo).
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Sarcasm said:
Oh come on, give Apple a break. If it was the other way around Apple wouldnt sue over something so trivial. They are angels.
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avoidz said:
Apple have got some balls to take Samsung to task and pull a stunt like this.
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Oh come on, give Apple a break. If it was the other way around Apple wouldnt sue over something so trivial. They are angels.
If I hadn't looked at your name I would have thought you were serious :P
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The biggest copycat in the world!
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How dare Apple copy the very same time as someone else! I've lost all faith in humanity and especially this website.
All of you who have taken a photo of ANYTHING better watch out. And make damn sure your watch is set for a different time!
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VitalyT said:
Apple's logo - a bite off an apple denotes embarking on the forbidden.
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dennis777 said:
In the Philippines it is call sottocopy, hehehe
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copasetic said:
How dare Apple taking advantage of all the....wait...
***brrrzzap***
sorry...no...Apple good, Apple never steal anything...Apple invent everything, even if 10 years later, others only steal from Apple...Apple sue them for coming up with same clock idea before they did, because it was Apple's idea no matter when someone else come up with it...
....yes....
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savssendi said:
Heheheheh, am laughing deep silently here!! Apple, Apple.... what comes around goes.... complete teh statement. We wont hear that case, since apple does not want to be-little herself, she will settle the the Swiss guys out of court!!! We wont hear anything after today!!!
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I hope the Swiss company takes like 4 billion in some huge lawsuit.
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