In an agreement announced today, Apple (AAPL 0.63%) has agreed to pay a licensing fee to Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) for the use of its station clock design on devices including iPads and iPhones.
The parties have agreed to keep details confidential.
Apple's new-look iOS 6 clock looks very similar to the iconic SBB clocks, and the Swiss rail organization noticed. Both clocks lack numbers on their black-and-white faces, and are notable for their red second hands.
In its press release, Swiss Federal Railways noted its clockface's "striking red second hand in the shape of a railway guard's signalling device."
The Swiss version of the clock was designed for the company in 1944 by engineer and designer Hans Hilfiker, and the trademark resides with SBB.
