Apple challenges Woolworths logo

Apple believes the new Woolworths logo is too similar to its own

Technology giant Apple has launched a legal challenge against Australian supermarket chain Woolworths over the company's corporate logo.

The "stylised W" designed to represent fresh produce looks too similar to Apple's own logo, the maker of the iPhone and iPod said.

It has lodged an objection with the Australian government's intellectual property agency, IP Australia.

Woolworths denied the logo was designed specifically to look like an apple.

"We absolutely say it is a stylised 'W' that can be any kind of fresh produce. Some people say it looks like a lettuce, some people say it can be a pumpkin," said Clare Buchanan at Woolworths.

Apple is reportedly concerned that the supermarket may start to make electronics products that would be in direct competition with its own offerings.

Woolworths has no connection with the failed retail chain in the UK of the same name.

On Monday, Apple announced that it was quitting the US Chamber of Commerce in protest at the body's policy on climate change.

"We would prefer that the chamber take a more progressive stance on this critical issue and play a constructive role in addressing the climate crisis," Apple's Catherine Novelli wrote in a letter to the business group.

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