Apple loses right to "iPhone" brand in Mexico

Apple's scheduled release of the iPhone 5 in Mexico might have to be put on hold thanks to a court ruling that could ban sales of iPhone-branded products in the country. iFone, a Mexican telecommunications company which registered its name in 2003, has thus far been on the winning end of a legal battle with Apple. El Universal reports that a court in Mexico City has denied Apple's request for an injunction that would have allowed the company to continue selling its smartphones without issue.

Apple cast the first stone in this particular war after the release of the first iPhone, asking iFone to change its name to avoid confusion. Apple lost its request in court and was subsequently counter-sued by iFone for damages. iFone then also sought to cease sales of any iPhone-branded Apple product, which prompted Apple to file its injunction.

Now that Apple's hopes for trouble-free iPhone sales in Mexico have been dashed, we'll have to wait and see whether the two companies can come to some sort of an agreement or if they will remain in a legal chokehold until either side relents.

[Via: Electronista]