Apple's foray into the world of smartwatches began since they announced the Apple Watch last November, but in an unfortunate twist of events, the tech giant won't be able to take their new product to Switzerland — the heart of the watch industry — and it's all because of one Singaporean businessman.
According to various media reports, William Leong — managing director of Singapore-based luxury timepieces distributing company Leong Poh Kee — is said to own the "Apple Watch" trademark in Switzerland.
The Apple Watch trademark in the Switzerland is directly owned by Swiss watch company Leonard Timepieces, which is owned by Leong. The company filed the trademark for watches and watch parts bearing an apple insignia back in 1985, way before Apple even thought of producing timepieces.
What this means is that Apple won't be able to reach out to the eight million people living in Switzerland, and not a very good tiding for a brand who's wanting to get serious in watches. In terms of value, Switzerland is responsible for half of the world production of watches.
The 30-year trademark for Leong's trademark however expires this December, but it is speculated that Leonard Timepieces could try and renew the trademark. Apple of course, is expected to fight back with their legion of lawyers and infinitely deep pockets.
Apple's smartwatch is set for release on Apr 24. Early product reviews have been lukewarm at best.
Photo: Apple store website screengrab
Apple's foray into the world of smartwatches began since they announced the Apple Watch last November, but in an unfortunate twist of events, the tech giant won't be able to take their new product to Switzerland — the heart of the watch industry — and it's all because of one Singaporean businessman.
According to various media reports, William Leong — managing director of Singapore-based luxury timepieces distributing company Leong Poh Kee — is said to own the "Apple Watch" trademark in Switzerland.
The Apple Watch trademark in the Switzerland is directly owned by Swiss watch company Leonard Timepieces, which is owned by Leong. The company filed the trademark for watches and watch parts bearing an apple insignia back in 1985, way before Apple even thought of producing timepieces.
What this means is that Apple won't be able to reach out to the eight million people living in Switzerland, and not a very good tiding for a brand who's wanting to get serious in watches. In terms of value, Switzerland is responsible for half of the world production of watches.
The 30-year trademark for Leong's trademark however expires this December, but it is speculated that Leonard Timepieces could try and renew the trademark. Apple of course, is expected to fight back with their legion of lawyers and infinitely deep pockets.
Apple's smartwatch is set for release on Apr 24. Early product reviews have been lukewarm at best.
Photo: Apple store website screengrab