Brazilian iPhone Goes Ahead With Release

We reported earlier this month that Apple has lost its iPhone trademark in Brazil to a company known as Gradiente (aka IGB Eletrônica), as the latter had held the iPhone trademark in that part of the world all the way back in the year 2000, which is a good seven years before Apple first released their revolutionary iPhone. It does seem as though Apple executives are going to be hopping mad with word that Gradiente will be selling an Android-powered smartphone that they have called the iPhone, or iPhone Neo One in full.

Of course, Apple will also have their iPhones flooding the Brazilian market, but in terms of a legal perspective, they are unable to sue Gradiente since Brazil’s Institute of Industrial Property offers Gradiente relevant protection, ruling that both Apple and them can make use of the iPhone name. Apple has obviously chosen to pursue an appeal, although it would be rather difficult for them to carve out a win unless they decide to purchase the rights from Gradiente, just like how Cupertino played it out Stateside with Cisco.

As for the iPhone Neo One, this Android 2.3 Gingerbread smartphone will feature dual SIM slots, a 3.7” display, a 5-megapixel camera at the back and a front-facing VGA shooter, with a price tag of approximately $305 for an unlocked device.

Edwin Kee
Categories: Apple, Cellphones
Tags: Apple Inc, iPhone, Legal