April 4, 2008 - Apple is trying to block NYC & Co., a travel and tourism organization, from trademarking an apple-shaped logo aimed at promoting an environmentally conscious lifestyle among New Yorkers, Advertising Age reports. The computermaker has filed a complaint with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to prevent the group from using its GreeNYC logo, which features a stylized apple, stalk, and leaf.

In its complaint, filed earlier this year, Apple said the GreeNYC mark is "likely to cause confusion, mistake or deception in the minds of consumers." NYC & Co. responded in February with a counterclaim to dismiss the suit, saying consumers associate Apple's trademark primarily with computer products.

"We believe the 'infinity apple' design, and its mission to create environmental awareness are unique and distinctive and do not infringe upon the Apple Computer brand," says Kimberly Spell, senior VP-communications at NYC & Co.

The GreeNYC logo, which debuted last summer in print and TV ads as well as on New York's bus shelters and hybrid taxis, is also currently featured on organic cotton shopping bags sold by Whole Foods.