Brazil doesnt own the trademark....
It would be naive to think that the government of Brazil is incapable of manipulating a company housed on its soil.
Brazil doesnt own the trademark....
I don't think paying 100 top lawyers is gonna be cheaper than paying Gradiente for a license anyway.
By the way, those able to read in Portuguese should check the following link:
http://www.ie.ufrj.br/desenvolvimen...possibilidade_para_a_inovacao_tecnologica.pdf
It's a paper analyzing the Unitron case, when a well-known Brazilian company produced a Mac clone (the "Mac 512") through perfectly-legal reverse engineering means (i.e., no Apple patent in Brazil).
However, strong pressure from the US government + corporate lobbying from competing companies in Brazil made the military government backtrack from its original decision to allow the company to produce such clones - it's a fascinating story.
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What "stuff"? A few iPhones by Foxconn?
Brazil is the 5th (or 6th, depending on who you ask) largest economy in the world; the US is not even its largest trading partner anymore.
On the other hand, Brazilian tourists are the ones spending the most money of all nationalities in places like NY.
So it's more like this nowadays, given the dire state of the US economy: Brazil asks, the US concedes - not the other way round.
IGB Electronica SA has Apple by the proverbial sack and they know it.
Apple's gonna pay a lot for this.
It would be naive to think that the government of Brazil is incapable of manipulating a company housed on its soil.
Patent troll??? are you for real? the legitamately own the trademark and have so since 2000. They havent been pushing apple too hard as they could of since they are selling iphones already in brazil. you fan boys need to open your eyes.
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Brazil doesnt own the trademark....
The owners seem to be dealing with this quite well. Yes, of course Brazil could do that but if Apple did something like that it would be extremely bad PR and wouldnt be in their interest doing it that way.
All Apple has to do is tell Brazil they are going to stop making stuff in Brazil.
Then sit back and watch how fast Apple gets the trademark in Brazil.
All Apple has to do is tell Brazil they are going to stop making stuff in Brazil.
Then sit back and watch how fast Apple gets the trademark in Brazil.
As a Brazilian, I can assure that it's more than legit - the Brazilian IP Institute has already confirmed the validity of the mark, which was the correct assessment based on date of registration and use.
And no, Gradiente is not just an IP troll - they have been in business for more than 30 years now, and used to produce some really good higher-end audio systems.
They probably seized the opportunity with the "iTrend" back then and are able to cash in now...nothing surprising.
In summary, Apple has only two choices: pay up or get out. It's as simple as that.
p.s.: To the geographically-challenged out there: remember that Brazil is not China as far as IP protection is concerned.
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Indeed...the UK is cheaper, for instance - with far worse weather and women, of course.
Good Idea.Remove the iPhone references on stuff going to Brazil.
Just call it the "Apple Phone".
Everyone will know it's an iPhone, just don't call it that in Brazil.
Remove the iPhone references on stuff going to Brazil.
Just call it the "Apple Phone".
Everyone will know it's an iPhone, just don't call it that in Brazil.
Sorry Guys, sorry Apple. My Country one more time show the face of a rascal one. Gradiente show that don't have principles and wanna to stork money from other with this bull **** of trademarks. I'm so sorry. The people on this country ask for forgiveness, because this are the one's in charge here, the minority that **** us all. a bunch of liars and thief's .
Ass.: A brazilian guy that try to do things right.
It's frightening how some people think the world operates.
Gradiente is a broken company that for 30 years failed to deliver any technology that is worth buying. They found an opportunity to make some money which they never did. It is sad to be a Brazilian when you see things like this.
Sorry Guys, sorry Apple. My Country one more time show the face of a rascal one. Gradiente show that don't have principles and wanna to stork money from other with this bull **** of trademarks. I'm so sorry. The people on this country ask for forgiveness, because this are the one's in charge here, the minority that **** us all. a bunch of liars and thief's .
Ass.: A brazilian guy that try to do things right.
Broken or not, they have the registered mark - the original Gradiente had to file a Chapter 11, so now IGB manages its assets, simple as that.
If you had the mark duly registered WAY before the iPhone was launched and were a remotely sane person, you'd do exactly the same thing - defend your rights.
So once more: Apple pays, period.
Yes. Two girls one cup really showcases the Brazilian women.
Patent troll??? are you for real? the legitamately own the trademark and have so since 2000. They havent been pushing apple too hard as they could of since they are selling iphones already in brazil. you fan boys need to open your eyes.
I agree. IGB got lucky and won a Lotto .
Apple should just buy Brazil.
Or Bermingham, oh wait, no one wants it even if it's for free
And Apple can set the price. The only value of this trademark is in the fact that you can sell it to Apple. Nobody in Brazil would fall for it if someone other than Apple tried to sell a phone named "iPhone". But once Apple wants to sell, and has to sell let's say under the name "Apple Phone", the value of that trademark drops to zero. Once the first million "Apple Phones" are sold, Apple isn't going to change the name.
Do you really think Apple will accept to dillute its brand in one of the most important emerging powers and a main target for the company, as already acknowledged by Tim Cook?
1) IGB sets the price; 2) Apple barks; 3) Apple pays.
More like
1. IGB sets the price
2. Apple threatens lawsuits that could cost millions. Millions IGB doesn't have.
3. Apple barks
4. Apple pays less than expected by IGB
5. IGB is still happy with the millions they got.