Jessica Watson sails into another storm

Pink Lady Apples - who trade more than $1 billion worth of the fruit every year - have written to Jessica's camp citing several concerns over the use of the term 'Pink Lady'.

The company claims the phrase is subject to international copyright and has cautioned the sailor's team against damaging the brand.

The controversy comes just a day after it was revealed the 16-year-old has apparently not covered the distance required to claim the official world record for becoming the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world.

"We advised them that globally 'Pink Lady' is internationally recognised and protected," Pink Lady spokesman John Durham said.

"They sent us back [correspondence] they were not aware to that.

"We asked that they recognise [Pink Lady] had international registration and [make sure] nothing could be done to damage [the name].

"We don't want to fight them - we wish them the best - unless of course they cause damage [to the brand], but they have indicated they weren't aware of the copyright and would do nothing to damage [the brand]."

The company has also expressed concerns the Ella's Pink Lady symbol on Jessica's boat is loosely based on their Pink Lady apple logo.

"There is a little heart on the Ella design and it's very similar to our apple with our trademark and it is a reserved image really," Mr Durham said.

"We are not angry about that, we have a duty of care to make sure we protect our rights. That's why we wrote to their team, to let them know and ask they respect those."

The inclusion of Paris-based cosmetic company Ella Bache within the Ella's Pink Lady symbol has also caused concern for the apple company, given they spend millions of dollars in marketing in Europe every year to get their brand recognition.

But Mr Durham said "there was no way" Jessica's Pink Lady would become more well-known around the world than the crunchy apple.

He said the company was supportive of the teenager's voyage and has offered free apples for her home-coming party.

"She won't become more of a brand globally ... we have no fear of Jessica Watson with her activities. And me as an Australian I am very proud of what she has done and highly supportive of her initiative, courage and pluck. But there needs to be an awareness [of the copyright]."

Jessica's management expect her to return to Sydney on May 15.

Calls for comment have been placed with Jessica's manager, Andrew Fraser.