China's Patent & Trademark Office has published the equivalent of a design patent for Apple's iPod nano late last Friday. The design is likely a reflection of Apple's 2009 model. Rumors of a possible backside camera coming to the next generation nano surfaced back in April of this year and then somewhat supported by an Apple patent application in May which presented a camera feature on the nano's interface. Whether the camera will debut at all this year or end up being on the back or front side of the nano – is yet to be determined. In other IP news, Apple has filed for a figurative trademark design in the US for their new iPad "Smart Cover."
Apple Wins a Design Patent in China
Apple's iPod nano has received registration status in China which is similar to a "grant" in the US. More than likely the design is reflecting Apple's 2009 iPod nano rather than what could be on its way this fall. The current design's series of cut-outs in the rear view shown below reflect the support structure for the nano's backside clip.
Partial Form: Apple's iPod nano Receives Registered Status in China
Apple's Drawing Supplied to the USPTO in their Trademark Filing
Apple's newly filed trademark is solely for the Figurative Smart Cover's design image. The Smart Cover trademark itself was filed for back in March 2011. Apple first applied for their figurative design in China back in August.
Apple Files for Figurative Smart Cover Design Trademark
Apple has filed their smart cover design image trademark under International Class 009 covering an "accessory for a handheld mobile digital device that functions as a protective and decorative cover and a stand."
Notice: Patently Apple presents a basic summary of new trademark filings with their associated graphics for journalistic news purposes as each such trademark is revealed by the U.S. and/or other foreign Patent & Trademark Offices. This category covers a few Industrial Design reports each year while others could be found in our granted patent archives. Readers are cautioned that the full text of any trademark application should be read in its entirety for further details.
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