Apple Loses iPhone Trademark Suit in Mexico Allan Schroeder November 5, 2012 Apple (AAPL) has lost a trademark case in Mexico after filing suit in 2009 against the Mexican telecommunications company iFone. iFone filed for the trademark in 2003, a full four years before Apple trademarked the name iPhone. iFone turned the tables on Apple, countersuing for damages and past infringement claiming 40% of Apple’s sales in Mexico. A court in Mexico City has denied an injunction that would have allowed Apple to sell the iPhone in Mexico. This comes at a crucial time as the iPhone 5 is slated to go on sale in Mexico on Friday. It seems obvious that Apple would have known about the prior phonetics issue and suing a rightful trademark owner seems a little more than bizarre, even for Apple. It is only speculation in how Apple intends to handle this situation, but they are somewhat backed into the proverbial corner and some kind of financial agreement seems the only way out in this situation. It is very doubtful that Apple will change the name of the phone just for sales in a different market and a settlement of any kind this late in the game will be substantial. Via Albawaba Share This With The World!
