Apple licenses Swiss clock for IOS 6

FRUIT THEMED Apple has licensed the image of the clock that it has been using on its Ipad since the release of IOS 6.

Apple has licensed the design of the clock from the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), where it has been in use for over 60 years. Both firms are happy with the terms of the deal, details of which are very light indeed and do not extend to things like what sort of money might have changed hands.

"The parties have negotiated an arrangement that enables Apple to use the SBB station clock under a licence agreement. The parties have agreed that the amount of the licensing fee and any further details of the licensing arrangement will remain confidential," says the SBB in its press release.

"The SBB station clock was designed for the company in 1944 by the engineer and designer Hans Hilfiker. It is a design icon that has obviously lost none of its appeal in the digital age. A special feature of the clockface is its striking red second hand in the shape of a railway guard's signalling disc. Even now it symbolises the innovation and reliability that are key qualities attributed to both SBB and Switzerland as a whole."

Earlier SBB had complained that Apple was using the distinctive clock face without its permission. We asked, but Apple had nothing else to add to the licensing announcement. µ