So Apple, who you may be familiar with their products, (iPhone, iPod, Macintosh Computers etc.) is suing The Australian Woolworths (Large retail chain). Why? Because their logo has an "apple" in it.
What? An "apple"? Well, it must look allot like Apple's "apple", the one in their logo right?
Well, no. It's actually quite different. It's actually quite a creative representation of an "apple". It even slightly looks like a "W", for Woolworths.
Well, it must be the same colour as their logo right?
Well, no. It's green.
Perhaps it has a bite out of it, like the Apple logo?
Uh… no to that too. No bite. It has not been bitten. Ixnay on the itebay.
So why are they suing Woolworths? Well, because it's an "apple". Apparently they hold the rights to "apples" in logos. This is not the first time that apple has sued over the image of an "apple" in a logo.
Here are the logo's in question…
Now look very closely. It's not easy to see the very subtle differences. Take a look. See… they are practically identical.
So what does that mean for you, the business owner or marketer?
Well, don't have a logo with an apple in it. But besides that, there is a lesson to learn here. I think Apple is at risk of tarnishing their very precious brand if they keep on this vigilant pursuit of all apples. I believe Woolworths has successfully branded themselves to NOT look like Apple.
One does not make me think they are the other. But just the same. When designing a new logo identity, it's always important to ensure the designer has done everything in their power to check the logo against other logos to confirm there are not resemblances that may result in court. That said, there are hundreds of thousands of logos out there already. How do you make sure that your logo does not resemble other logos? Well, that's where a good creative designer comes into place. A designer that does not simply rely on their first instinct in creating imagery for your company. A good designer should know when to continue with ideas until they have created something truly unique.
That doesn't mean that your logo will not resemble any other logo in the world, it should just greatly reduce the chances. Which will make you stand out from your competitors.
Ciao,
Robert Scozzari RGD
I agree with your opinions, Rob… but I can’t help but wonder what the result would have been if Woolworth had flipped the leaf and skewed the apple just a little. If I know Apple though… the outcome would probably have been the same…
Hi Jim, I agree. You can’t be as big as Apple and not turn into brand cops. However, they need to balance brand preservation with common sense. Thanks for the comment.