| For those who choose not to read the article and merely comment that Apple is haphazardly suing another company, the article describes one of the basic principles of trademark law and why Apple must sue: Now here's where things get a little tricky. Fangguo Foods produces items like snack foods, flour and noodles, which obviously have nothing at all to do with any Apple products. As a result, Apple's trademark assertions seem misplaced and without merit. Recently, though, Fangguo had filed applications to extend its trademark to 16 different product categories, one of which includes "notebook computers" and "electronic-game software." And therein lies the rub. Fangguo received the status of "Famous Nanchong City Trademark" in 2007 and "Famous Sichuan Province Trademark" the following year. Zhao explained that he registered Fangguo's logo under so many seemingly unrelated product categories not because he had specific plans to expand to other types of manufacturing, but just in case he did meet somebody who wanted to produce, say, Fangguo computers, he would be able to expand the brand name. In the world of trademark law, a company that doesn't actively seek to protect its trademarks is more likely to lose the ability to enforce them. Consequently, it makes a whole lot of sense to go after Fangguo for their trademark given that they are looking for trademark protection in an area where Apple already operates. |