Apple successfully trademarks Apple Store design and layout
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office last week granted Apple a trademark for the unique design of the company's brick-and-mortar retail outlets, a process nearly two years in the making.
First applied for in May of 2010, Apple's newly minted trademark was awarded on Jan. 22 and covers the Apple Store's distinctive all-glass storefront and facade, recessed lighting, Genius Bar and rectangular tables, among other design cues.
The trademark goes into detail regarding the store's layout:
In 2011, a number of "knockoff" Apple Stores popped up in Kunming, China, prompting a government investigation that resulted in the closure of the counterfeit operations.
As noted in Apple's quarterly earnings conference call for the first fiscal quarter of 2013, the company's retail segment generated an average revenue of $16.5 million with an average 396 stores open. In total, Apple Stores saw a record 121 million visitors over the three month period ending in December, compared to 110 million a year ago.
First applied for in May of 2010, Apple's newly minted trademark was awarded on Jan. 22 and covers the Apple Store's distinctive all-glass storefront and facade, recessed lighting, Genius Bar and rectangular tables, among other design cues.
The trademark goes into detail regarding the store's layout:
Apple Stores are known to offer a consistent experience that customers have come to enjoy, with stores in China being nearly identical to those in the U.S., save for minor tweaks necessitated by each location's dimensions. Apple's success has prompted other companies like Microsoft to mimic the open-space layout to mixed results.There are cantilevered shelves below recessed display spaces along the side walls, and rectangular tables arranged in a line in the middle of the store parallel to the walls and extending from the storefront to the back of the store.
In 2011, a number of "knockoff" Apple Stores popped up in Kunming, China, prompting a government investigation that resulted in the closure of the counterfeit operations.
As noted in Apple's quarterly earnings conference call for the first fiscal quarter of 2013, the company's retail segment generated an average revenue of $16.5 million with an average 396 stores open. In total, Apple Stores saw a record 121 million visitors over the three month period ending in December, compared to 110 million a year ago.
Comments
Quote:
Originally Posted by cameronj
I can't see any future legal battles involving this ridiculous tm. I'm sure it'll just win every time.
All glass front, rectangular tables, shelves and recessed lighting...too bad no other companies ever thought of that.
Things like this are not very encouraging.
OMG, our local Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile stores are in serious trouble, same design.
Granting a trademark is the first step to having it ruled invalid. /s
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Good point!
I think is stupid they patent a store design. They should focus on creating new products instead of wasting time in courts fighting on stupid things.
The unique design: They actually use "brick" and "mortar" in their stores. Thus, brick-and-mortar is coined. Apple just patented the use of brick and mortar. Nice one! Good job Apple. Next up, they will be patenting the use of air to breathe or the color white.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pentae
What is the Microsoft store going to do now?
They can just rearrange the deck chairs...
Smart move of theirs even if most you don't see the reasons.
Originally Posted by gijoeinla
Um, this is more about them getting injunctions etc when people like Samdung (the small s on my mac keyboard isn't working) use it in advertising etc etc.
But even when Samsung willfully infringes, they get away with it. Why bother protecting anything you do?
Next week Apple patents the wheel....
Seriously though, there store design is pretty unique and recognizable. I just don't know that it's so unique as to warrant a patent. Were there really not other stores with glass fronts, shelves against the walls and an open path down the middle to a service desk prior to this?
Quote:
Originally Posted by pentae
What is the Microsoft store going to do now?
My first thought - do nothing as those stores will eventually die off on their own.
I have always thought that, if you remove all the Apple products, the Apple Stores can be easily converted into Buddhist temples (and the genius guys into spiritual advisors).
Quote:
Originally Posted by waybacmac
My first thought - do nothing as those stores will eventually die off on their own.
No ! Microsoft is invincible !!!!!!!
I was at the mall this weekend and heard someone mistake the Microsoft Store for the Apple Store. They were right in front of it too - pointing.
Should have stayed around to see their disappointment upon entering it.
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Apple has patented everything (or attempted to) within their field of vision from Day 1.
One of the smartest and most farsighted policies I've ever heard of.
Indeed. Who knows what we find in our shoes a decade from now...