<div id="readability-page-1"><figure> <img src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/STK071_APPLE_H.jpg/query-Y3JvcD0wLDAsMTAwLDEwMCZxdWFsaXR5PTkwJnN0cmlwPWFsbA?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" width="2040" height="1360" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/STK071_APPLE_H.jpg/query-Y3JvcD0wLDAsMTAwLDEwMCZxdWFsaXR5PTkwJnN0cmlwPWFsbA"/> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> Apple is suing the owner of the Apple Cinemas theater chain, Sand Media, over alleged trademark infringement, as reported by Reuters. In the lawsuit, Apple alleges that Apple Cinemas and Sand Media have made efforts to “capitalize on the highly-regarded Apple brand in connection with the aggressive nationwide expansion” and that they have “refused to engage with Apple’s repeated efforts to resolve the matter amicably.” “Consumers should not go to an ‘Apple Cinemas’ theater thinking it is connected to the famous Apple brand, with all its goodwill and brand equity, when Apple Cinemas has no relation whatsoever to Apple,” Apple says. Apple Cinemas didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment. Apple Cinemas has operated “outside a few suburbs and city outskirts in New England,” Apple says. However, Apple Cinemas recently opened a theater in the San Francisco Bay Area within 50 miles of Apple’s Cupertino headquarters and plans to open another soon. “Already, Defendants’ actions have confused customers and diluted Apple’s brand,” Apple says. The lawsuit includes screenshots of social media posts asking if Apple Cinemas is related to Apple. Apple also notes that “media coverage of the theater openings on both coasts found it necessary to explain that Apple Cinemas was not affiliated with Apple Inc.” and includes examples. Apple Cinemas is planning an “aggressive national expansion to 100 theaters,” according to the lawsuit. </div>

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Apple is suing Sand Media, the owner of Apple Cinemas, for trademark infringement. The lawsuit claims that Apple Cinemas is attempting to exploit the Apple brand amid its expansion, causing consumer confusion and diluting Apple's brand equity. Apple alleges that despite attempts to resolve the issue amicably, Sand Media has refused to engage. The lawsuit highlights the recent opening of a theater near Apple's headquarters and plans for further expansion, which Apple argues has already led to customer confusion regarding the affiliation between the two entities.

- Apple is suing Sand Media, the owner of Apple Cinemas, for trademark infringement, claiming the theater chain is trying to exploit the Apple brand amid its expansion.  
- The lawsuit states that Apple Cinemas has confused consumers and diluted Apple's brand equity, particularly with a new location near Cupertino.  
- Apple highlights that media coverage has had to clarify the lack of affiliation between Apple Cinemas and Apple Inc., as the theater chain plans to expand to 100 locations nationwide.  

Apple is suing Apple Cinemas