A Chinese court ruled in favor of a company selling leather goods that has grappled with Apple for the “iPhone” trademark.
According to the New York Times, China might never see iPhones as actually phones at all after the Beijing Municipal High People's Court released its decision that favors Xintong Tiandi Technology, a leather products manufacturer that uses the trademark for their products.
Legal Grapple
While Apple has long established its iPhone trademark in most countries around the world, it appears as though it is going to have a more difficult time achieving this in China.
The NY Times cited a report from China's Legal Daily newspaper which revealed the court ruling in favor of the Chinese leather company, granting it the legal rights to use the "iPhone" trademark.
Because of this, Apple's iPhones might not see the light of day in China.
According to the a separate report from the Chinese media outlet, Xintong Tiandi has applied the rights for the "iPhone" trademark just after the smartphone manufacturer released the first iPhone device in 2007.
Furthermore, its application for trademark was reportedly approved way ahead of Apple's, which was only filed in 2002.
A press release from the leather company expressed its joy at the victory which, according to the company, "brings esteem to Xintong Tiandi's promise to protect the iPhone trademark."
Ironically, some of the leather products from Xintong Tiandi Technology were made for some of Apple's other devices such as the iPad as featured in a marketing image of the products.
Apple's Reaction
Apple expressed its disappointment at the legal decision but said that it will not give up the fight.
"Apple is disappointed the Beijing Higher People's Court chose to allow Xintong to use the iPhone mark for leather goods when we have prevailed in several other cases against Xintong," a spokesperson from the company said in a statement as cited by BBC News. "We intend to request a retrial with the Supreme People's Court and will continue to vigorously protect our trademark rights."
The Apple spokesperson reiterated that no matter how you look at it, Apple owns the trademark for iPhone and expressed regret that there are companies that try to make profit out of their hard work.
"We work hard to make the best products in the world and want to ensure our customers' experience is not compromised by companies who try to profit from using our brand," he stated.