Mexican company iFone has won a court ruling against U.S. giant Apple in its dispute over the moniker of the popular cell phone brand.
Since 2003, iFone has provided software solutions and telecommunications systems to a string of Mexican firms, including Axtel, Avaya, Maxcom and Microsoft.
Apple launched its iPhone in Mexico in 2007 and two years later asked the country’s Patent and Trademark Office (IMPI) to invalidate the iFone name, so as to avoid confusion.Far from being intimidated by the U.S. colossus, iFone went to court seeking damages for trademark theft.
Now it appears the small firm has been rewarded for its bravery. According to Mexico City news reports, the 18th District Administrative Court last week sanctioned Apple with a fine equivalent to 20,000 days of minimum salary and gave iFone the green light to press for further damages.
Mexico City daily Universal quoted a company spokesperson who called the verdict “a victory for the Mexican justice system” and “evidence that iFone has the full right to use its name.”