Other Courts

Apple Music Trademark Application Blocked By U.S. Appellate Court

The U.S. Appellate Court for the Federal Circuit has recently rejected Apple’s argument that it had priority over trumpeter Charlie Bertini’s “Apple Jazz” trademark rights based on its ownership of an earlier trademark from the Beatles’ musicApple Corps Ltd.

Therefore, the court allowed Bertini to block Apple’s bid for a federal Apple Music trademark covering live performances, one of several trademarks used by Apple to seek secure.

Apple launched its streaming service in the year 2015 and applied the same year for the federal “Apple Music” trademark covering several categories of music and entertainment services.

Bertini opposed the application while arguing the name which would cause confusion with the “Apple Jazz” branding he used since 1985 to advertise concerts. But a US Trademark Office tribunal ruled for Apple in 2021, finding its earlier rights to the name based on a 1968 “Apple” trademark for sound recordings it purchased from Apple Corps in 2007.

A unanimous Federal Circuit panel reversed the decision to dismiss Bertini’s opposition. It stated that Apple could not “tack” its trademark rights for live performances to the Apple Corps trademark for sound recordings.

Therefore, the court stated that “Tacking a mark for one good or service doesn’t grant priority for every other good or service in the trademark application.”

Meera Verma

Recent Posts

Centre Opposes Ex-Judges Panel To Monitor Stubble Burning In SC

The Centre on Friday opposed a proposal in the Supreme Court to form a committee…

11 hours ago

“It’s A Celebration For Us”: Delhi HC Bar Association Felicitates CJI Sanjiv Khanna

The Delhi High Court Bar Association on Friday honored Chief Justice of India Justice Sanjiv…

11 hours ago

International Criminal Court Issues Arrest Warrant For Israeli PM Netanyahu

The International Criminal Court has recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,…

11 hours ago

Cal HC Stays Demolition Of Illegal Constructions In WB’s Mandarmoni

The Calcutta High Court on Friday granted an interim stay on the demolition of alleged…

12 hours ago

SC To Pass Order On Pleas To Efface Words ‘Secular’, ‘Socialist’ From Preamble

The Supreme Court on Friday announced that it would deliver its order on November 25…

12 hours ago

Air Pollution: SC Questions Delhi Govt On Truck Entry Amid GRAP-4 Restrictions

The Supreme Court raised concerns on Friday about the "drastic" consequences of the GRAP Stage…

12 hours ago