From my experience, Most of these legal attack were initialed by small - mid size law firms, they actually didn't received direct orders from Apple, but doing this to get paid by bill Apple legal department for their works. This is a ego system for those small firm even individuals to live with
As the legal holder of the trade mark, only Apple can bring/authorise someone to bring these proceedings.
Acting without explicit instructions, or representing that you are authorised to act for a party is a quick way for a lawyer/law firm to lose the right to be a lawyer/law firm.
