Apple Sues Apple Cinemas Over Trademark Infringement
Apple Inc. has filed a federal lawsuit against a small movie theater chain, Apple Cinemas, alleging trademark infringement. The tech giant claims the theater chain is intentionally using the “Apple” name to create consumer confusion and benefit from its brand recognition.
Attorneys for apple stated in a complaint filed in Massachusetts that Apple Cinemas is knowingly and intentionally using the name “Apple” to sow confusion for its own benefit. The lawsuit targets all Apple Cinemas locations and a connected company, sand Media Corp.Inc.
Apple Cinemas, established in 2013, had a limited presence in the Northeastern U.S.until recently expanding to San Francisco. The complaint highlights Apple Cinemas’ plan for nationwide expansion, including areas near Apple’s headquarters and retail stores, as the catalyst for the legal action.
“Faced with Defendants’ plan to expand to 100 theaters nationwide, as well as widespread public confusion about Apple’s involvement in the theaters, Apple has no alternative but to file this lawsuit to protect its brand and customers from deception,” the complaint reads.
According to its website, apple Cinemas currently operates 14 locations. Apple asserts that its prior attempts to resolve the matter amicably were unsuccessful. The lawsuit alleges that the companies behind Apple Cinemas received multiple warnings about the potential for consumer confusion but proceeded with their expansion plans.
Evidence of this confusion is cited in online comments where individuals believed Apple Cinemas was affiliated with Apple. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office initially denied Sand Media Corp. Inc.’s trademark applications for “Apple Cinemas” and “ACX – Apple Cinematic Experience” in October 2024, citing the likelihood of confusion with Apple’s existing trademark rights.
Apple’s legal team emphasized that the company possesses robust trademark rights across a wide array of goods and services, including movie distribution.
A second warning was issued in December 2024 when apple sent a direct cease and desist letter to Sand Media Corp. Inc. Despite repeated communications by phone and in writing, the company allegedly continued with its expansion plans.
The founders of Apple cinemas reportedly claim they adopted the name due to a planned, but never realized, first location at the Apple Valley Mall in Rhode Island.
apple is seeking both an injunction to halt the alleged infringement and monetary damages.
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