Apple Doesn't Own the 'iPhone' Trademark In China Anymore

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In completely bonkers news, Apple no longer controls the "iPhone" trademark in China, its second biggest market. The legal battle between Apple and Xintong Tiandi Technology, which now officially owns the name, began in 2012, when the California-based tech giant challenged the Chinese company's use of the name on its phone cases, wallets, handbags, and other accessories.

A Beijing court ultimately ruled that iPhone wasn't a "famous brand" in China before Xintong Tiandi applied for the trademark in 2007, the year the phone was released. China didn't actually get the iPhone 'til two years later, in 2009; Xintong Tiandi was just future-planning. Lucky them.

The company can continue to use "iPhone" on the tech accessories it sells in the country. The only bit of good news for Apple? The company doesn't even make phones (yet?). Still, it's a serious dent for a company that invests a lot of time and money in branding and reputation.