Apple partly victorious in EU trademark dispute with Chinese keyboard and solar panel maker

The EUIPO partly backed Apple in a trademark fight with Yichun Qinningmeng Electronics over a citrus-style logo.

It blocked the mark for computer-related goods, saying consumers could link it to Apple’s reputation in keyboards and related products.

But the office allowed the same logo for solar panels, finding the association with Apple too weak in that category.

The case highlights how EU trademark protection can vary by product class and perceived brand association.