Chinese phone maker claims Apple’s iPhone 6 stole its design
Alexandra BurlacuSimilarities between Apple designs and Chinese products are not something new, but this time it's different: a Chinese firm claims the iPhone 6 stole its design.
More specifically, Chinese company Digione has a smartphone that looks very much like Apple's new iPhone 6, and could ignite a patent battle with the iMaker.
As MacWorld reports, Digione revealed that it sent a letter to Apple back in September, when the iPhone 6 made its debut, notifying the company that its latest smartphone may infringe on a patent held by Digione.
The Chinese company filed for the patent in question back in January and was granted the patent back in July, according to China's State Intellectual Property Office. This means that Digione received the patent before the iPhone 6 made it to market. The patent in question covers a mobile phone design that looks very similar to the iPhone 6's exterior.
Seeing that Apple went ahead with its iPhone 6 anyway, Digione's 100+ smartphone brand took to Chinese social networking site Weibo to publish the letter it had sent to Apple back in September. In this letter, Digione expressed its confidence that the two companies can solve potential legal disputes with "goodwill."
Nevertheless, the issue remained unaddressed and unresolved, and Digione has now decided to publicize the matter in order to get a "chance to tell the truth."
Digione's smartphone in question launched under the 100+ brand, sporting entry-level specs on board to target the low-end segment of the smartphone market. The handset sports a 5.5-inch display, packs an 8-core MediaTek processor under the hood, and runs a modified version of Android from Baidu. The iPhone 6, meanwhile, comes with a smaller 4.7-inch display and boasts high-end specs and features all around, targeting the high-end segment of the market.
In other words, the similarity is only in terms of design. While there are plenty of cheap iPhone knockoffs from on the Chinese market, this time Digione claims that Apple was the one to steal its design, not the other way around.
Apple has offered no comment in this regards so far, and it remains to be seen how this whole issue will pan out. We'll keep you up to date as soon as we learn more, so stay tuned.
most read
related stories
more stories from Mobile
Stay updated! Google Messages Beta introduces a fresh Gallery Picker UI. Explore it now for enhanced messaging experience.
ernest hamiltonExciting news! Samsung has begun developing One UI 7.0 Beta, based on Android 15, for the Galaxy S24 series. Stay tuned for the latest updates.
ernest hamiltonStay tuned for Pixel 8a's first update, introducing Google's AI Wallpaper Generator! Don't miss out on this exciting feature.
ernest hamiltonWith Google Messages, you can now enjoy a new audio recorder and voice moods, enhancing your messaging experience. Check it out today!
ernest hamiltonThe iOS 17.5 RC release brings several enhancements, including updates to the Podcasts widget, an improved unwanted tracking system, Repair State mode, and more.
ernest hamiltonThe decision to revoke export licenses to Huawei could have significant implications for chip sales by Intel and Qualcomm in the US.
ernest hamiltonExperience innovation like never before with Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S25 Series, set to introduce the groundbreaking 'Battery AI' feature. Learn more in our latest article!
ernest hamiltonThe leaked promo images of the Sony Xperia 1 VI reveal exciting details ahead of its launch. Dive into the details in our latest article!
ernest hamilton