Bar Hit By Apple Legal

An Iowa entrepreneur has been asked by Apple to rename an event at his bar, the Des Moines Register reported today. Clint Curtis, who owns the Lift bar located in the state capital, was recently sent a cease-and-desist letter by Apple claiming that a site and podcasts associated with the bar owner's "iPod Monday" gathering violated the company's music player trademark. "Please choose a name for your product that is consistent with Apple's guidelines," a letter from the iPod creator read.

Curtis has so far made no plans to cancel the event, which was created two years ago to spur interest in Lift during the normally quiet weekday by sharing guests' choices in music through their iPods. The bar manager said he had routinely been in contact with Apple about iPod Monday and had never received a complaint until the new legal request. In fact, Curtis observed, employees at the Des Moines Apple Store were frequently happy with the concept, seeing a boost to their business after the event began.

"I've generated a lot of interest for iPods in Des Moines, but I haven't received any compensation, not even a 'This is a cool thing you are doing,' until two years later, when I get a cease-and-desist order," he said.

Neither Curtis nor the Register had heard from Apple after sending requests for information about the legal motion.

By Electronista Staff