Woolies and Apple locked in trademark brand battle

APPLE set to take on Woolies over new logo they say too closely resembles their iconic symbol.

Apple says Woolworths' new logo is too similar to the Apple symbol. What do you think?

Woolies and Apple in battle of the brands

APPLE is taking on Australian supermarket giant Woolworths, claiming the retailer’s new logo too closely resembles its iconic apple symbol.

The logo was filed with Federal Government agency IP Australia back in August, and is shaped like a stylised green “W”.

The Age reports Apple is concerned the logo will directly compete with its brand as Woolworths looks to expand its business into consumer electronics.

If the application is successful, the retailer would be able to brand computers, music players and other devices with the new logo, putting them in direct competition with Apple.

Do the logos too closely resemble each other?  Tell us in the comment box below.

Woolworths' application includes a wide class for electrical goods and technology, putting it in direct competition with Apple should the retailer choose to brand computers, music players or other devices.

Apple will attempt to have IP Australia, the body that governs trademarks, reject Woolworths’ application to trademark the new logo.

The creator of the logo for Woolworths, Hans Hulsbosch, told The Age Apple was taking trademark protection ''to the extreme''.

''Based on this logic, they would have to take action against every fruit-seller,'' he said.

This is not the first time Apple has gone to court for the right to the apple brand.

The electronics mogul has taken on The Beatles, environmental campaign GreenNYC and is currently battling Foxtel’s adult entertainment channel Adults Only over the use of the apple symbol.  

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