Risk of confusion: Apple sues US cinema chain “Apple Cinemas”

Apple has sued the small US cinema chain “Apple Cinemas”. The provider consciously uses the known brand to draw advantages, the accusation of the iPhone manufacturer is. Such a similarity of names causes confusion among cinema seekers and customers and can also damage the Apple brand. The IT group refers, among other things, to complaints about dirty cinema halls and “underground bad projection systems” on social media-such criticism can also color as a technology company.

Facebook users apparently confused

In the lawsuit, Apple’s lawyers lists further comments from Facebook users, who are obviously confused about who runs “Apple Cinemas”. Wot from users as to whether the cinemas will probably sell their tickets at “iPhone prices” were documented. “iPhone prices” are an allusion to another famous Apple trademark, the group lawyers notice (Apple vs. Sand Media et al., File number 1: 25-CV-12173United States District Court – District of Massachusetts).

According to its own statement, Apple has tried to reach an amicable agreement with Apple Cinemas. It is obvious that there is a risk of confusion-and Apple is also active in the entertainment area. Among other things, the group refers to its streaming service and to the in-house shops, in which films or documentaries are sometimes shown. The manufacturer also refers to the “Apple Cinema Display”, which was once protected by trademark law.

“Apple Cinemas” also uses an apple as a logo and places its cinemas in shopping centers – similar to the Apple stores, the lawsuit says. The cinema chain has apparently been around for well over 10 years, but only due to a planned expansion have Apple’s trademark law experts became aware of this. Apple Cinemas was then contacted directly and the change of the name was requested. The brand entry of “Apple Cinemas” was also rejected by the US patent and trademark office, Apple notices. The group calls for injunction and compensation.

Apple insists on his brands

Apple defends its logo and brand entries emphasized. It always comes up with bizarre situations for non-brand lawyers: In Switzerland, the group left its picture brand, which shows a generic Granny Smith in black and white, extends to further areas-and met with great resistance from farmers’ associations. Smaller projects with apple cover may also stumble across Apple lawyers, about a few years ago the Rhine cycle path “apple route”.