Apple seeks new trademark for multicolor logo, unlikely to show up at a store near you
Apple is seeking a new U.S. trademark for its iconic multicolor logo, commonly referred to as the "rainbow" logo, for use on clothing items, but don't expect to see the mark adorning products at an Apple store anytime soon.
Like many Apple filings, the company first applied for the mark in Jamaica last June. Apple's retro logo entered the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Trademark Reporting and Monitoring System (TRAM) in December and was subsequently assigned to an examiner last week.
"The mark consists of the design of an apple with a bite removed, with a detached leaf in green, and the apple divided into horizontal colored segments of the following colors (from top to bottom): green, yellow, orange, red, violet and blue," the application reads.
According to the filing, Apple's mark, if granted, can be applied to pieces of clothing, specifically hats and caps. Though the trademark was filed with an "intent to use," or ITU, it is highly unlikely that Apple will initiate sales of branded headgear or other similar products.
As a rule, the company submits marks on an ITU basis, even those it has no immediate plans of using, simply to protect the design.
Considering Apple moved away from the rainbow logo more than 20 years ago, its imminent return to the mainstream, as suggested in a breathless post by The Blast, is improbable. That said, there is an outside chance that Apple might produce a small run of commemorative gear for internal distribution or sale at its Apple Park store, where shirts bearing the same mark are already sold.
Introduced in 1977, the multicolor Apple logo was replaced in 1998 by monochrome iconography, a design scheme that has evolved to the flat apple-shaped logos seen on all company hardware and software today.
Like many Apple filings, the company first applied for the mark in Jamaica last June. Apple's retro logo entered the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Trademark Reporting and Monitoring System (TRAM) in December and was subsequently assigned to an examiner last week.
"The mark consists of the design of an apple with a bite removed, with a detached leaf in green, and the apple divided into horizontal colored segments of the following colors (from top to bottom): green, yellow, orange, red, violet and blue," the application reads.
According to the filing, Apple's mark, if granted, can be applied to pieces of clothing, specifically hats and caps. Though the trademark was filed with an "intent to use," or ITU, it is highly unlikely that Apple will initiate sales of branded headgear or other similar products.
As a rule, the company submits marks on an ITU basis, even those it has no immediate plans of using, simply to protect the design.
Considering Apple moved away from the rainbow logo more than 20 years ago, its imminent return to the mainstream, as suggested in a breathless post by The Blast, is improbable. That said, there is an outside chance that Apple might produce a small run of commemorative gear for internal distribution or sale at its Apple Park store, where shirts bearing the same mark are already sold.
Introduced in 1977, the multicolor Apple logo was replaced in 1998 by monochrome iconography, a design scheme that has evolved to the flat apple-shaped logos seen on all company hardware and software today.
Comments
Please keep with the minimalistic version please. It's attractive.
The only rainbow logo I still owned was partially scraped off my truck window and I wish Apple would release some more of these. I'd even pay for them. Microsoft copied the multi colors in their logo as well as going all white well after Apple did. Everyone's logo doesn't have to be minimalistic, if that's how you describe all white.
I'm also surprised nobody has filed for a rainbow apple logo.
I would guess part of applying for the trademark is also to stop other people selling shirts with it on.
I've missed the old logo. I used to have an enamelled keyring with it, which sadly broke off. I can understand keeping the monochrome one for packaging, etc, but having the old "Six Colors" version available is nice.
If they could still do the illuminated logos on the MacBooks, how cool would a Six Color one be? They could just sell a translucent sticker for the MacBook Air.
Also, will they be sending Jason Snell a cease-and-desist for his podcast?
I think both of Apple's logos are nice, and I suppose the current version looks better with the current product designs. Though, I think done right, the colored one would be fine too, or add something. It wouldn't look nice, IMO, big on laptop backs and such, but would look nice really small (like it used to be) imbedded into the aluminum or such.
I'm really surprised it isn't trademarked, but I don't think anyone would win if they tried to get it... so not that surprising no one has.
There's a reason the Issac Newton logo didn't stick around very long.