Apple applies for 'iWatch' trademark ownership in Japan
According to a report on Sunday, Apple recently applied for the Japanese trademark rights to the "iWatch" moniker, rekindling rumors that the company is actively pursuing the launch of a wearable computing device.
Apple's U.S. patent application for a wristwatch-like wearable computing device. | Source: USPTO
As reported by Bloomberg, Apple's "iWatch" filing with the Japan Patent Office dates back to June 3, but was made public just last week. The category to which the company assigned the naming rights covers handheld computing devices and watch-like devices.
Apple's Japan application is dated two days prior to an identical filing with the Russian Federal Service for Intellectual Property, also known as Rospatent. The associated report regarding the Russian document noted the first registered "iWatch" trademark application was made in Jamaica in December of 2012.
While not definitive evidence that Apple will indeed release a wristwatch-like device, the recent trademark filings are in line with the industry practice of protecting a possible product name before it is released. The Cupertino company has done the same for past products, such as its discreet filings for the iPad in 2006.
Although no hard evidence has "leaked" pertaining to the supposed device, some reports claim Apple has dedicated a team of about 100 employees actively working on the project.
Competing companies have already announced they will be fielding entries in the wearable computing market later this year, mostly of the devices being wrist-worn "smart watches." Apple rival Samsung said in March that it plans to release a watch-like computing device by the end of this year, its third attempt at such a product.
In February, AppleInsider was first to discover an Apple patent filing for a device fitting the description of the so-called "iWatch," which boasted a touchscreen, flexible display fitted into a bracelet-type design.
Apple's U.S. patent application for a wristwatch-like wearable computing device. | Source: USPTO
As reported by Bloomberg, Apple's "iWatch" filing with the Japan Patent Office dates back to June 3, but was made public just last week. The category to which the company assigned the naming rights covers handheld computing devices and watch-like devices.
Apple's Japan application is dated two days prior to an identical filing with the Russian Federal Service for Intellectual Property, also known as Rospatent. The associated report regarding the Russian document noted the first registered "iWatch" trademark application was made in Jamaica in December of 2012.
While not definitive evidence that Apple will indeed release a wristwatch-like device, the recent trademark filings are in line with the industry practice of protecting a possible product name before it is released. The Cupertino company has done the same for past products, such as its discreet filings for the iPad in 2006.
Although no hard evidence has "leaked" pertaining to the supposed device, some reports claim Apple has dedicated a team of about 100 employees actively working on the project.
Competing companies have already announced they will be fielding entries in the wearable computing market later this year, mostly of the devices being wrist-worn "smart watches." Apple rival Samsung said in March that it plans to release a watch-like computing device by the end of this year, its third attempt at such a product.
In February, AppleInsider was first to discover an Apple patent filing for a device fitting the description of the so-called "iWatch," which boasted a touchscreen, flexible display fitted into a bracelet-type design.
Comments
The trademark iw@ch (phonetically IWATCH) belongs to Intertime (FE) Holdings Ltd, Hong Kong; the internationally famous manufacturer of VOILA Watches & iw@ch as per Japanese Trademark Certificate 4400665 dated July 14, 2000.
Apple would need to seek permission from Intertime before commencing any trade.
Assuming Apple launches an iWatch this year in addition to a cheaper iPhone and iPad 5, I think we could see many record breaking quarters and the stock rise to new heights.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lerxt
The above guy has been posting all over the Internet. I wonder if iW@tch with an @, is the same as iWatch, according to patent law?
Take a look at who he is: http://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerkhemlani
cant wait for that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roger Khemlani
The trademark iw@ch (phonetically IWATCH) belongs to Intertime (FE) Holdings Ltd, Hong Kong; the internationally famous manufacturer of VOILA Watches & iw@ch as per Japanese Trademark Certificate 4400665 dated July 14, 2000.
Apple would need to seek permission from Intertime before commencing any trade.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Casanova
cant wait for that.
Did not really expect Founder & Creative Director House of VOILA Roger Khemlani is spamming internet like this. Must be eligible for executive position at Samsung.
the intertubes are going to explode this week with iwatch babble. I predict a Forbes article "iwatch dooms apple" and an nyt article "iwatch does not innovate time".
Quote:
Originally Posted by blackbook
Assuming Apple launches an iWatch this year in addition to a cheaper iPhone and iPad 5, I think we could see many record breaking quarters and the stock rise to new heights.
Don't pat each other backs just yet. Wall Street is illogical.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dugbug
the intertubes are going to explode this week with iwatch babble. I predict a Forbes article "iwatch dooms apple" and an nyt article "iwatch does not innovate time".
I predict iWatch is not enough, or simply too late, or lacks certain functions, therefore Apple is doomed.
"iWatch" Can't wait. I can see it now ...
iWatch TV
iWatch football
iWatch hotel guests through a peephole in the wall ...
Brilliant
This ^. Would be one of the best feints ever.
Edit: Or not. According to the Bloomberg source article: "The maker of iPhones is seeking protection for the name which is categorized as being for products including a handheld computer or watch device, according to a June 3 filing with the Japan Patent Office that was made public last week." Guess we really could see this thing this fall. Maybe at an iPod event (which they haven't had for a while now due to reduced interest).
No, they wouldn't. The "@" is not an "a".
Since you're an an employee of the company in question, can you provide a link to the product you sell that bears this name? I could fine no reference to it on your website; of course, your website is not mobile friendly.
The last time Apple apparently responded directly to Wall Street criticism (by offering a dividend) it sent Apple's stock on a path it has yet to recover from. My recommendation is to ignore the self-interested hue and cry of salesmen and do only what is right for Apple and Apple's customers.
Regardless, 'i' is an identifiable asset of Apple culture and it has been a brilliant stroke. The problem is that others just lack the creative spirit that is 'Apple' nature.
I would suggest the great facsimilating machine patent a 'turd'-like symbol. It would be appropriate and at least be immediately identifiable with FacsimileSam and its equal brilliant method of thinking from the water closet.
Grammar fixed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mhikl
The use of 'i' by Apple was and continues to be a brilliant strategy by Apple.
Regardless, 'i' is an identifiable asset of Apple culture and it has been a brilliant stroke. The problem is that others just lack the creative spirit that is 'Apple' nature.
I commend Apple for simplicity and consistency. But "brilliant" should be set at a much higher bar.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lerxt
The above guy has been posting all over the Internet. I wonder if iW@tch with an @, is the same as iWatch, according to patent law?
It doesn't matter. Apple has a history for worrying about copyright/trademark infringement after the fact. The only time they didn't get their way was when they tried to use iTV.
stelligent, I agree that the use of 'brilliant' doesn't appear to fit well within the sphere of common advertising; however, there have been many choices taken in the industry that have come to symbolize a company in the eye of the consumer, and for which criticism has been an issue. 'Think Different' is one that has raised argument on grammatical terms, yet came to symbolize a well known company.
The use of adjectives such as 'brilliant' for hyperbole as a rhetorical device is part of English language humour. Figurative language is usually introduced in middle school, but its practice depends upon the skill and interest of the language teacher and the student's interest in reading. Such skills not learned and practiced early enough in life may be confused when come upon as a mature adult.
On the other hand, I may not have phrased my use of the word well;
As originally posted was not the intended corrected version. iPad typing, yuck.