Apple to Sue Iraqi Government over use of iRaq
Trademark
By Jay Effkay ◦
18-Sep-2007
The Apple
iRaq is set to reach the shops by December
Lawyers for Apple Corporation today served
papers beginning legal action against the
Government of Iraq over the use of the iRaq trademark.
Speaking outside Apple headquarters in San Jose, California, Apple CEO Steve Jobs expressed outrage at the "flagrant copyright infringement" of the authorities in Baghdad. "Apple Corporation takes the integrity of its brand and global image very seriously, and feel we must resort to legal action in order to protect our proprietary trademark".
Following the hugely successful launch of Apple's iMac, iPod, and iPhone, lawyers decided to purchase the copyright to the iRaq name back in 2002, when plans for a consumer version of the middle eastern country were first drafted.
Observers of the case have pointed out, however, that despite history indicating a distinct civilization inhabiting the Mesopotamian region for several millennia, Apple is likely to win the copyright case. It is thought that the case has arisen as a result of a legal loophole dating back to the founding of the Iraqi state. Records show that British authorities failed to properly register the Iraq name as a trademark upon formation of the state in 1948.
No British sources were available for comment at the time of going to press. Meanwhile, the launch of Apple's long-awaited iRaq console is set to go on sale in December.
Speaking outside Apple headquarters in San Jose, California, Apple CEO Steve Jobs expressed outrage at the "flagrant copyright infringement" of the authorities in Baghdad. "Apple Corporation takes the integrity of its brand and global image very seriously, and feel we must resort to legal action in order to protect our proprietary trademark".
Following the hugely successful launch of Apple's iMac, iPod, and iPhone, lawyers decided to purchase the copyright to the iRaq name back in 2002, when plans for a consumer version of the middle eastern country were first drafted.
Observers of the case have pointed out, however, that despite history indicating a distinct civilization inhabiting the Mesopotamian region for several millennia, Apple is likely to win the copyright case. It is thought that the case has arisen as a result of a legal loophole dating back to the founding of the Iraqi state. Records show that British authorities failed to properly register the Iraq name as a trademark upon formation of the state in 1948.
No British sources were available for comment at the time of going to press. Meanwhile, the launch of Apple's long-awaited iRaq console is set to go on sale in December.
See also: