iEthics
Wade M. Chumney, Tammy W. Cowart
Journal of Business Ethics · 2010 · Volume 93 · Issue 3
DOI: 10.1007/s10551-009-0234-6
Abstract
Nike. McDonald’s Apple. These companies and many others invest millions of dollars each year protecting that one thing that distinguishes them in the marketplace – a trademark. A company’s trademark is the symbol that allows consumers to know that they are dealing with a particular company. This article addresses the extent to which some companies will go to obtain and protect a trademark. Specifically, it will address the fight between Cisco and Apple over the iPhone trademark, as both companies took questionable steps in the United States and abroad to obtain rights to the iPhone mark. In addition, the basics of trademark law and ethical theories relevant to trademark law will be addressed.
Keywords
ethics, justice theory, law, stakeholders, trademarks, utilitarianism
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