It reminded me that Apple appropriated the 'iPhone' name from Cisco.
ChatGPT reminded me:
- When Steve Jobs announced the Apple iPhone on January 9, 2007, Cisco was already the trademark owner
- Cisco filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Apple the very next day
- Apple argued that “iPhone” was a natural, descriptive name and sought to leverage its massive consumer appeal.
They reached a settlement whereby Cisco used 'iPhone' for its VoIP phones (which 'faded into obscurity').
ChatGPT also tells me that suggesting 'iPhone' is a 'natural, descriptive name' is a PR argument, not a legal one.
So it points to the value of good legal advice in the face of giants inclined to treat trademark infringement as a speed bump. And who bully their 'adversaries' into submission (settlement): even big companies like Cisco.
Great point. The Apple–Cisco “iPhone” case is such a clear example of how trademarks aren’t just about the law but also about leverage and timing. Cisco had the rights, Apple had the influence—and the settlement shows why founders need legal strategy baked into their launch plans from day one.
This was very interesting. So now I’m curious, for writers building brands, when and how should we go about trademarking and is this the end? Trying to think long term but also spare what little time and money i personally have.
Interesting article
Thank you!
Terrific example.
It reminded me that Apple appropriated the 'iPhone' name from Cisco.
ChatGPT reminded me:
- When Steve Jobs announced the Apple iPhone on January 9, 2007, Cisco was already the trademark owner
- Cisco filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Apple the very next day
- Apple argued that “iPhone” was a natural, descriptive name and sought to leverage its massive consumer appeal.
They reached a settlement whereby Cisco used 'iPhone' for its VoIP phones (which 'faded into obscurity').
ChatGPT also tells me that suggesting 'iPhone' is a 'natural, descriptive name' is a PR argument, not a legal one.
So it points to the value of good legal advice in the face of giants inclined to treat trademark infringement as a speed bump. And who bully their 'adversaries' into submission (settlement): even big companies like Cisco.
Great point. The Apple–Cisco “iPhone” case is such a clear example of how trademarks aren’t just about the law but also about leverage and timing. Cisco had the rights, Apple had the influence—and the settlement shows why founders need legal strategy baked into their launch plans from day one.
This was very interesting. So now I’m curious, for writers building brands, when and how should we go about trademarking and is this the end? Trying to think long term but also spare what little time and money i personally have.