Smartwatch fans in Switzerland may have to wait a while longer to get their hands on the Apple Watch, according to a new report.
A patent owned by watch brand Leonard Timepieces is delaying the release of Apple's upcoming watch in the country, as it keeps companies from using the image of an apple or the word "apple" associated with watches and similar products, Swiss broadcaster RTS reported.
Switzerland is known for being the country where watches were born and rose to the popularity that they have now, Engadget reported.
The 30-year-old patent won't cause permanent damage to Apple's plans for Switzerland, as the legal filing will expire on Dec. 5.
How the trademark roadblock will affect Apple's ability to compete with Geneva and other watch companies in Switzerland has yet to be seen.
When the Apple Watch debuts in stores around the world, it will do as part of Apple's first new product category since the iPad came on the scene, CNET reported. This product category will also be the first under Tim Cook, the current CEO of Apple.
The tech giant is scheduled to make the Apple Watch available for fittings starting April 10 and will begin selling the gadget in several markets on April 24.
Apple declined to comment on the patent dilemma.
