Brazilian electronics maker IGB Electronica SA has announced a new line of Android phones under the IPHONE brand, a trademark they applied for in Brazil in 2000.
ReutersThe first model will be called “Neo One,” IGB said in a securities filing. The company was formed this year after the restructuring of Gradiente Eletronica SA, which had applied for exclusive rights in Brazil to register its products under the name IPHONE in 2000.
Apple now has the choice of filing a lawsuit, or negotiating for a settlement deal.
Brazil is considered an important market for Apple. The company recently began hiring for its first Apple Stores in the South American country, and Foxconn recently began iPad and iPhone production there.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has been quoted in the past that Brazil is the company’s next target country after China.
