The legal department of Playboy Enterprises Inc. is examining whether the new logo launched by Israeli wireless telephony company Pele-Phone, a subsidiary of Bezeq, infringes its trademark rights. The logo bears a striking similarity to Playboy's rabbit head symbol, which is a registered trademark, and is considered one of the world's five best-recognized brands.
The investigation, which should be concluded within a week, began after Pele-Phone's new logo came to the attention of Playboy Enterprises executives. Playboy's legal department in Chicago will examine whether the similarity between the two symbols is such as to warrant legal action for the unlawful use of a trademark.
Sarit Medalia, marketing vice president of PlayTV, the Israeli Playboy channel, said, "We are waiting for the results of the examination, which will finish shortly, and will act in accordance with the instructions we receive."
Pele-Phone said in response that its new logo was original, and was designed by Philippe Boulakia especially for Pele-Phone. The company said that the design of the logo did not draw inspiration from any other brand.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on June 8, 2004