The ‘apple theory’ is the topic in the latest federal application against the GreenNYC campaign logo. Several newspapers reported that Apple Inc. doesn’t like the idea of New York City officials using an apple as a logo for their eco-friendly campaign due to a resemblance to the electronics and software producer’s own logo.

“We believe the ‘infinity apple’ design and its mission to create environmental awareness are unique and distinctive and do not infringe upon the Apple computer brand,” said Kimberly Spell of NYC & Company on Thursday.

Although for a good cause, it seems that not everyone can have the apple, as the Californian company said it would only create confusion in the minds of the customers and would benefit NYC & Company only due to the level of recognition Apple has gained so far.

Bloomberg News reported that Apple challenged the trademark application earlier this year, after the New York City marketing office had already filed the application in May 2007.

The controversial logo would cause “consumer confusion, resulting in damage and injury” to Apple, and “dilution of distinctiveness” of Apple’s trademark, the company said in the challenge, Bloomberg News reported.

The logo is already in use by New York campaign officials. In response to Apple’s challenge, New York City reportedly asked for the rejection of the challenge, and not only that, but they also asked for the cancelation of what now is the symbol of Apple.

Quite controversial, one may think, as after all, an apple is an apple. And just as Apple believes in their apple rights, New York City might say the same thing, considering the extra 30 years of being called “The Big Apple.”