Brazilian regulators rule that the iPhone is an Android handset in the country

It was just last week when word leaked that the Brazilian Institute of Intellectual Property would rule in favor of Brazilian manufacturer Gradiente giving the company the rights to the iPhone name in Brazil. The company had originally registered the name in the country back in 2000. Apple's argument was that Gradiente did not produce a handset until 2012.

The INPI said that the decision applies only to handsets and that Apple has the rights to use the iPhone name on any other product or publication. Apple isn't forbidden to sell its smartphone in Latin America's largest market, but faces a potential lawsuit from Gradiente. The Brazilian regulator also said that it understands that Apple will appeal the ruling.

Ironically, the Gradiente iPhone Neo One is an Android flavored model that is priced at 599 Reals ($304 USD). The chairman of Gradiente has previously left open the possibility of working out a licensing deal with Apple and said, "We're open to a dialogue for anything, anytime... we're not radicals."

source: BBC via AndroidCentral