Hans Hilfiker

Two 'Hans Hilfiker' stories September 2012 - October 2012

Apple reaches licensing agreement with SBB over classic Swiss Railway clock design

Jordan Kahn Oct 12 2012 - 6:08 am PT

After allegations that Apple was copying the classic Swiss Railway clock design for its new Clocks app in iOS 6, Apple was expected to meet with Swiss Federal Railways SBB to presumably find some sort of resolution. SBB made an official announcement on its website (via TheVerge) today, claiming it has reached an agreement with Apple:

The Swiss Federal Railways SBB and Apple have reached an agreement on the use of the SBB station clock on devices like iPad and iPhone. That the two parties have governed in a license agreement.

Swiss Federal Railways is not disclosing how much the agreement is for, but it said Apple has agreed to its licensing terms for use of the Hans Hilfiker designed railway station clock design. There is also no word how this might affect Mondaine, the watchmaker that currently has rights to the design for its watch faces, but it looks like Apple won’t have an issue using the design in iOS:
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Apple agrees to meet with Swiss Rail Firm over Clock trademark dispute

Élyse Betters Sep 24 2012 - 7:49 am PT

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Swiss Federal Railways SBB said it would soon meet with Apple representatives to discuss an agreement over its classic clock face design found in the new Clocks app for iOS devices.

“There’s been no agreement so far, we’re going to talk about it,” announced SBB spokesperson Patricia Claivaz to global news agency AFP, noting SBB’s lawyers first requested the sit-down.

SBB was unable to provide an exact date for the gathering, but its spokesperson added, “We’re rather proud that a brand as important as Apple is using our design, it’s already on show in exhibitions in places like New York.”

The clock face design, created in 1944, was originally a copyright and trademark of engineer Hans Hilfiker, but watchmaker Mondaine licenses the design these days, and is considering legal action. It is obvious the Clocks app resembles the railway’s design, so Apple will likely bring a check to the upcoming meeting.

[via Phys.org]

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