Apple and SBB cool off dispute over iconic watch

SBB watch

A few weeks ago Apple released its new mobile operating system iOS6, which has already attracted a good deal of attention. Besides the bugs in the new Maps app, also the clock display used did not look quite right. Or, better, it looked something like a déjà vu. 

Switzerland's railway operator SBB claimed in fact that Copertino-based technology giant copied the design of its station clock without permission. What makes SBB clock special is in particular its red second hand which resembles the railway signal once used by controllers to signal to train drivers that they could leave. 

Both the London Design Museum and the New York MoMa included SBB clock among examples of outstanding 20th century design.

As pointed out by SBB spokesman Christian Ginsing, SBB watch is registered as a trademark and, with all likelihood, is also protected by copyright. As reported on SwissInfo, since 1986 Swiss watchmaker Mondaine has been licensed to make wall clocks, desk models and wristwatches based on the design. 

Apple watch

In any case, the dispute between SBB and Apple (which has a well-known reputation for defending its own IP rights vigorously) did not last long. A couple of days ago SBB and Apple announced that they have reached an agreement on the use of SBB station clock. SBB official press release is written in German. The translation provided by Google reads as follows:  

"The Swiss Federal Railways SBB and Apple have reached an agreement on the use of the SBB station clock on devices like iPad and iPhone. That the two parties have governed in a license agreement.

For the use of the SBB station clock on devices like iPad and iPhone, the Swiss Federal Railways SBB and Apple have agreed and signed a license agreement. The parties have agreed to give the amount of the license fee as well as other details about the Convention any further information.

Kat watch

The Railway station clock was built in 1944 by engineer and designer Hans Hilfiker designed for SBB. It is a design icon, obvious matters in the digital age well. Special feature of the so-called "scoop dial" is the striking red second hand, which has the form of a signal trowel. To date, [it] is a symbol of innovation and reliability is an important identifying feature of the SBB and Switzerland represents [As clarified by The Register, all the SBB clocks synchronise with a master time controller every minute, ensuring that passengers can be sure that the trains are running on time. The red second hand completes a full sweep every 58.5 seconds and then uses the spare 1.5 second for synchronisation]."

This Kat believes that there is still something strange in this story. 

Firstly, why did not Apple approach SBB to get a licence? As commented by Forbes, while it is entirely possible that others will have created designs that you wish to include into your devices, "the trick is to ask them, negotiate with them, gain a license from them, before you release the product, not afterwards. Otherwise people might think you’re acting a bit like Samsung or something."

Secondly, exclusive licensee Mondaine was not involved in the negotiation of the licensing agreement at any stage. "As an exclusive licensee, we are surprised to hear about the licensing agreement between SBB and Apple," Ronnie Bernheim, the company's co-owner, told Reuters. However, he declined to say whether he would take any further action.