Swiss watchmaker Swatch has successfully opposed Apple's registration of the trademark "iWatch" in the UK.
The UK's Intellectual Property Office (IPO) upheld Swatch's opposition, which was filed in March 2014.
Swatch said the name "iWatch" was too similar to its own trademarks for the words "iSwatch" and "Swatch".
And by the time in launched its smartwatch, in 2015, Apple had decided to call its product "Apple Watch".
Apple decided to call its product "Apple Watch" when it launched in 2015
But should the California-based company wish to use the name "iWatch" in the UK at some point in future, it can now do so only with certain products.
These include computer software and computer accessories - but not computer hardware, monitors, audio and video devices or cameras.
The IPO's decision follows a hearing in April.
'Trademarks are territorial'
"This decision shows the difficulty global brands can have when it comes to launching a new product around the world," said Sharon Daboul, a trademark lawyer at law firm EIP.
"Trademarks are territorial, which means that a trademark must be available for registration in every country of interest."
Not being able to secure the iWatch trademark around the world would have been a "key factor", Ms Daboul added, in Apple's decision not to use the name for its smartwatch.
Swatch declined to comment on the decision.
Latest Stories
-
CETAG threatens indefinite strike over breach of agreements
18 minutes -
Fifty 50 Club lauded for impactful social interventions
24 minutes -
Konongo and its environs risk water shortage as Owerri River ‘stops flowing’
35 minutes -
Dr. Stacy Amewoyi launches new books and expands philanthropic efforts across Ghana and US
41 minutes -
Hindsight: Legon Cities’ five years of fugazi money
55 minutes -
JoyNews’ Kwasi Debrah ties knot with Dr. Neta Pasram in beautiful ceremony
56 minutes -
Wimbledon winner Purcell admits anti-doping breach
1 hour -
Political party influence undermines leadership independence, says Prince Kofi Amoabeng
1 hour -
CHASS advises against reopening schools on Jan. 3 until financial arrears are cleared
1 hour -
Newmont’s Akyem Vocational Institute unveils battery-powered fufu machine at graduation ceremony
2 hours -
Newmont reinforces cultural heritage commitment in host communities
2 hours -
Oti Region records over 10 road accident deaths from January to September this year
2 hours -
Ecobank Ghana inaugurates ‘Ecobank Retirees Association’: A legacy of fellowship and service
2 hours -
Optimal OMD appoints Taniya Mondal as MD
2 hours -
Lekzy DeComic hailed for masterful emceeing at OB Amponsah’s comedy show
2 hours