Apple Threatens Trademark Suit Over 'iGasm' Ad

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple Inc. is reportedly displeased with British sex toy retailer Ann Summers over its advertisements for the iGasm vibrator, whose campaign resembles that of Apple's iPod line.

The iGasm, a sex toy that connects to portable music players and vibrates in unison with songs, is advertised in a colorful campaign featuring the black silhouette of a woman using the device, complete with white headphones, in front of a neon pink background.

Ann Summers and the iGasm logo, along with the Ann Summers' trademark apple icon, are prominently placed in white text — in a font strikingly similar to Apple's. The sales pitch reads: "Go at it hard and fast with a pounding drum 'n' bass track or chill with an ambient classic."

Apple's lawyers claim the poster is a rip-off of the company's iPod ads, and in a letter sent to Ann Summers headquarters, they threaten the possibility of legal action, should the toy company fail to remove its iGasm ads from retail locations.

Dean Boland, an attorney specializing in technology law, told XBIZ that Apple will have to prove whether Ann Summers' ad campaign is close enough to Apple's to confuse the public, advertisers or shareholders into thinking the iGasm is a new Apple product.

And if Apple has not, in fact, trademarked its ad art, then Boland said the company can argue that Ann Summers has infringed its trade dress, having made its product similar to the iPod in so many ways, that customers — as well as anti-adult groups — cannot distinguish it from other Apple products.

"It could have a negative effect on [Apple] sales," Boland said, adding that customers could stop purchasing Apple products in protest, believing that Apple has entered the realm of sex-toy retail.

In response to Apple's notice, Ann Summers President Jacqueline Gold has reportedly joked about the matter, saying, "Perhaps I can send them an iGasm to put a smile back on their faces."

An Apple representative did not respond to press requests by deadline.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

TeamSkeet, MYLF to Launch New Website FamilyStrokes.com

Sister studios TeamSkeet and MYLF are launching a new website, FamilyStrokes.com.

AV Bulletin: Age Verification Hits the Mainstream, Ofcom Sets a Date

Industry stakeholders and free speech advocates have anxiously been awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, which could significantly impact state age verification laws around the country. In the meantime, state legislatures continue to weigh and pass AV bills, AV tech providers continue to tout their services, and legal challenges continue to play out in the courts — with some cases on hold pending the SCOTUS ruling in Paxton.

Segpay Names Kristi Greer VP of Sales

Segpay has promoted long-time employee Kristi Greer to the position of vice president of sales.

BranditScan Names Subgirl Newest Brand Ambassador

BranditScan has named content creator Subgirl its newest brand ambassador.

Arcom Reports Age Verification Enforcement Actions Against 5 Adult Sites

French media regulator Arcom released a statement Tuesday detailing recent actions to enforce age verification rules as set forth under France’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

Pineapple Support, Clips4Sale to Host Performers' Partners Support Group

Pineapple Support and Clips4Sale are hosting a free online support group for partners and family members of adult industry professionals.

FSC Mourns the Loss of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes

Free Speech Coalition has released a statement regarding the passing of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes.

Alexa Creed Launches New Paysite

Creator Alexa Creed has launched a new membership site through MyMember.site.

Choice Talent Management Launches Fan Platform 'ChoiceFilmz'

Choice Talent Management CEO Chris Crisco has launched a new fan platform called ChoiceFilmz.

Dredd to Launch Official Site

Dredd has announced his new website OfficialDreddXXX.com, launching April 20.

Show More