Apple are well known for trademarking and patenting their items. They’ve already trademarked the leaf of the Apple logo and even registered a patent for the shape of the iPad, so it comes as no surprise to hear they’re adding another to the list… this time… THE SHOP!
Yep they’ve been granted a trademark for a retail store featuring computers: more specifically the design and layout of the Apple store – the shelves, arrangement of tables, storefront and positioning of products.
This means that, should you feel the urge to have a store with, ‘rectangular tables arranged in a line in the middle of the store parallel to the walls and extending for the storefront to the back of the store‘ then you’ll be breaching Apple’s intellectual property.
Apple originally filed for the trademark in December 2010, however it’s only just been granted. The trademark applies to the US solely at the moment but Apple have filed an international application which will affect several European countries as well as China.
So why have they done this? It’s thought that the emergence of many stores in China copying the design of the Apple Store is to blame and Apple wants to protect the brand and all associated with it.
They obviously don’t believe that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! What are your thoughts though?
About Laura Hogan
22 year old Windows phone owner, Android tablet user and Macbook lover.
I can be found @lauralouise90 or dunking a biscuit in a fresh brew!
