Swiss Federal Railways or SBB announced that it has entered into an agreement with Apple for allowing the company to use its design in the software. The agreement brings allows the company move ahead from their ongoing dispute over the matter.
SBB had approached the company to inform that it owns the clock design. The company announced on Friday that the deal includes amount of the licensing fee but added that it will not be disclosed and will remain confidential. The iconic SBB railway clock was developed by engineer and designer Hans Hilfiker in 1944.
Many believe that it was interesting that Apple did not obtain the permission to sue the design as it the one using suing others around the world for copying and copyright infringement. After SBB threatened legal action against Apple, the company came to terms with the rail authority and entered into an agreement to avoid any legal proceedings.
“For the use of the clockface on certain Apple devices such as iPads and iPhones, the parties have negotiated an arrangement that enables Apple to use the SBB station clock under a license agreement,’’ said SBB.
