Apple launched the latest version of iOS this week, including an iPad alarm clock application featuring analogue faces. Schweizerische Bundesbahnen, the federal train operator in Switzerland, claims that these clock faces infringe a copyright design created for the organization in 1955 by Hans Hilfiker, The Daily Telegraph reports.
The minimal design has become a national icon and is now licensed by Mondaine as a wrist watch.
SBB spokesman Christian Ginsig told Swiss newspaper Tages Anzeiger that the alleged use of the clock proved that it was a "true designer piece" and that the discovery had been a "joy". However, he also said that it was unauthorized and that SBB would be talking to Apple.
An SBB spokesman said: "We are in contact with Apple to seek together an agreement about the rights."
The Cupertino technology giant released the new iPhone 5 for sale today, Sept 21. Long lines appeared outside Apple Stores worldwide as shoppers jostled to be among the first to own the new device. The very first handset was sold to Australian Todd Foot in Sydney.
