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Apple Accused of Copying Design of Swiss Clock

By - Source: via MacRumors

Oops!

When you hear a story about Apple and accusations of copying, it's usually Apple doing the accusing. However, this time around, Apple is on the receiving end of allegations that it stole a design. Who has accused Apple of copying? The Swiss Federal Railway.

MacRumors cites a story in Swiss newspaper Blick in reporting that Switzerland's Schweizerische Bundesbahnen, or Swiss Federal Railway service, has accused Apple of copying the design of the Swiss Federal Railway service clock. Apple's version of this clock appears in the iPad's Clock app, which debuted as part of iOS 6, the latest version of Appe's mobile operating system. According to MacRumors, the trademark and copyright for the clock, designed by Hans Hilfiker, is owned by the Swiss Federal Railways service.

Image via MacRumors Speaking to Blick, a spokesperson for the SBB said that they're currently trying to get in touch with Apple to resolve the situation. We imagine this will involve Apple licensing the design or else changing the iPad's Clock app. Either way, it's a change to see Apple, usually so quick to lawyer up at the first sight of any similarity, caught with what appears to be a blatant case of copying.

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There are 54 Comments.
Top Comments
  • 42
    house70 , September 22, 2012 12:49 AM
    Funny thing is, if it was about any other company copying this, they would have not said a word. Knowing how Apple PO'ed a lot of people with their habits, this comes as a natural consequence.
    I guess Apple has to pay for stuff they stole, just like anyone else.
  • 33
    bak0n , September 22, 2012 1:49 AM
    I think this deserves the ban of selling the iphone5
  • 31
    dribblesbarbax , September 22, 2012 12:44 AM
    Shame on you Apple. Shame on you.
Other Comments
  • 31
    dribblesbarbax , September 22, 2012 12:44 AM
    Shame on you Apple. Shame on you.
  • 29
    santfu , September 22, 2012 12:47 AM
    Apple innovated clocks they make everything first
  • 42
    house70 , September 22, 2012 12:49 AM
    Funny thing is, if it was about any other company copying this, they would have not said a word. Knowing how Apple PO'ed a lot of people with their habits, this comes as a natural consequence.
    I guess Apple has to pay for stuff they stole, just like anyone else.
  • 3
    deadlockedworld , September 22, 2012 12:51 AM
    If Steve were still there this would result in an instant firing spree.
  • 10
    master_chen , September 22, 2012 1:07 AM
    LOOOL! Let the iSheep butthurt begin!
  • 17
    memadmax , September 22, 2012 1:12 AM
    Burn rotten apple, burn....
  • 4
    jecastej , September 22, 2012 1:19 AM
    What?... I can clearly notice different proportions on both designs. Really, can you patent this, absurd?

    Kidding, there are very minor differences in both designs but the idea is almost untouched. But also use this example to explain Samsung's arguments. Design is creativity and a very minor coincidence given some design trends can happen but 3, 4 or more coincidences are very rare and suspicious.
  • 22
    dormantreign , September 22, 2012 1:27 AM
    hahaha, sue them into oblivion clock dude.
  • 0
    blazorthon , September 22, 2012 1:30 AM
    Apple could have simply rounded the back of each line and sharpened the front and they would have probably been fine :/ 
  • 27
    shin0bi272 , September 22, 2012 1:38 AM
    sue em for 3 billion dollars
  • 26
    edogawa , September 22, 2012 1:48 AM
    Apple seems to make lots of headlines these days and they are never good.
  • 33
    bak0n , September 22, 2012 1:49 AM
    I think this deserves the ban of selling the iphone5
  • 17
    anonymous@guest , September 22, 2012 1:50 AM
    I thought it was apple who owned the patents for rectangles and circles not a train company, world never seizes to amaze.
  • 10
    blazorthon , September 22, 2012 2:16 AM
    alidanok, if this wasnt apple, would it really matter? i mean its a clock, they all have 60 seconds, a minute hand and a hour hand, and the higher end ones also a second hand, only reason its even here is the ball at the end of the second hand. google "clock second hands"and you will see a decorative second hand inst all that uncommonnow would this be a big deal if it wanst apple? would we defend them, probably with my argument?


    The two clocks are so extremely similar that they're almost identical, so regardless of who infringed on the patents/copyrights, I wouldn't defend them, most certainly with such as argument as they're not Apple, so it's okay.
  • 9
    bllue , September 22, 2012 2:19 AM
    Burn Apple Burn!
  • 16
    puddleglum , September 22, 2012 2:19 AM
    Turn around is fair play -- how does it feel?
  • 22
    lolkillerbr , September 22, 2012 2:21 AM
    Samsung should buy the Swiss company, sue Apple for 3 billion dollars and make sure that the next iPhone comes with nothing more than digital clepsydras.
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