Apple loses another court battle over the iPhone trademark in Brazil

A Brazilian federal court has ruled in favor of local company Gradiente (IGB Eletrônica) in the ongoing trademark dispute with Apple over the rights to the iPhone name.

The court overturned a previous decision, questioning Apple’s exclusive rights to the brand in the country.

Gradiente registered the name "G Gradiente Iphone" back in 2000, well before Apple launched the first iPhone in 2007. Although the patent was only granted in 2008, the court recognized Gradiente’s priority over the brand.

Apple argued that Gradiente hadn’t released any products under that name, but the company later introduced a device bearing the same title.

If higher courts uphold the ruling, Apple could lose its monopoly on the iPhone brand in Brazil. Meanwhile, Gradiente is seeking the right to share the name.