Magistrate Allows Limited Fraud Claims Against Apple TM

In the Northern District of California, Magistrate Judge Virginia K. DeMarchi issued a ruling on a motion to amend a complaint targeting Apple's APPLE mark. The decision granted leave for two specific fraud claims while rejecting others.

The case involves a professional trumpet player alleging issues with the registration's validity. The court applied standards for pleading fraud on the trademark office.

Remaining theories in the proposed amended complaint were denied, limiting the scope of the dispute. The ruling addresses procedural aspects of challenging existing trademark registrations.

Proceedings continue in the district court following the partial grant of the motion.

Sources: https://ipwatchdog.com/2026/07/14/magistrate-judge-allows-two-narrow-fraud-theories-proceed-against-apple-trademark-registration/ https://trademarklawyermagazine.com/trademark-news/