Apple is back at it, filing another completion lawsuit. The tech giant argues that the consumer might be confused and assume some official relationship between the two parties.
Now that we have gotten into the legal side of things, let’s briefly explain them. Apple alleges trademark infringement, arguing that “Apple Cinemas” might confuse the people into thinking the theaters are somehow related to Apple Inc. Also, Apple said that because the plaintiff has its own brands in entertainment fields (Apple TV+, Apple Music, etc.), the issue fell into brand protection rights. But like… COME ON. Who would find themselves in a movie theater and suddenly think they are buying AirPods? One comment was just splendid: “i asked for AirPods and they gave me a medium Sprite.” DEAD.
As always, the internet had plenty to say about it. Many tried to demonstrate the absurdity of trademarking a fruit-“you can’t trademark a fucking fruit”-was one of the popular statements. Other commenters quickly made note of Apple’s very aggressive litigious agenda, which, of course, had almost half a century of history with The Beatles’ company, Apple Corps. Then they started throwing jokes. So many. “Apple lawyers when someone eats the fruit,” paired with a meme with the lawyers sprinting after a kid biting an apple? Chef’s kiss.
It was a rare moment worthy of irony amongst the gamers: Several responses drew a parallel between the infamous overzealous Nintendo copyright strikes and suggest companies are becoming a little hasty with their courts; one even insinuated thatSnow White might be next on Apple’s list of offensives. Honestly? At this point, not to be ruled out.
Some legal experts weighed in, among them one Grok, who made a fantastic exposition of why Apple may actually have a case under trademark law, specifically under Section 43(a) of the Lanham Act, vis-à-vis businesses “adjacent” to entertainment, though even Grok concedes that theirs isn’t a case to outright ban every use of the word “apple” but rather one of preventing confusion of related industries. For help, another account said, “The logo doesn’t even have a bite mark. Apple needs to stop being a bully.”
Theaters aren’t making much of a public splash yet, but in the meantime, gamers are having a go at it. Many believe that Apple Cinemas should have seen this coming-“they must have known that lawsuit was only a matter of time 💀”-while others outright call this lawsuit “bullshit.” The most reasonable voice comes from Hat3Asylum: “Hard to believe a theater chain’s name could spark such confusion, but I get why Apple’s protective of their brand.”
Memes were never-ending. One edited pictures of real beets to “Beats by Dr. Dre” headphones. Others joked that medical doctors everywhere would heave a sigh of relief if apples ever got tightened next. Then there was a user proposing that since Apple Records existed before Apple Computers, The Beatles may have a cause for a counter-suit. I’d say the madness is glorious.
One more corporate legal battle is, in all likelihood, silent in its settlement; for the gamers watching from afar, free entertainment-this one is much better than whatever’s showing at Apple Cinemas this weekend. Just don’t expect to buy an iPhone at the snack bar.
