Apple loses 'iphone' leather goods case in Chinese court

Smartphone-maker loses appeal over use of 'iphone' branding on leather goods in China allowing handbags, phone cases and wallets to continue to be sold

A Chinese court has ruled against Apple in a case over the use of its iPhone trademark, permitting a small maker of 'iphone'-branded leather handbags to continue selling goods, state media reports.

Iphone was registered as a trademark for use on leather goods in 2007 by manufacturer Xintong Tiandi, which has been producing iphone-branded wallets, phone cases and handbags ever since.