On December 13, 2012, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a notice sent to Apple that basically denies them the rights to "Launchpad." This is Apple's second attempt at convincing the government agency of approving this trademark. The examiner notes that Apple hasn't provided "any new or compelling evidence," that would allow them to register the trademark. Back to the drawing table Apple Legal goes, as they still have a small window of opportunity remaining to seal the deal. A Major Update was added to thei report December 15, 2012
USPTO Database: Many Companies Own the Launchpad Trademark
Updated Dec. 15, 2012: For the record, the US Patent and Trademark database actually list many companies that own the "Launchpad" trademark.
Although it may seem odd that many companies have Launchpad as a registered trademark, it may very well boil down to the International Class that the trademark was originally filed under. For instance, Coburn Technologies registered their trademark for Launchpad under International Class 009 for "pads for polishing ophthalmic lenses," whereas Canonical Limited (related to Ubuntu software) owns a registered trademark filed under International Class 042 for "Licensing Computer Software."
Apple's trademark application for "Launchpad" was originally filed for under International Class 009 specifically for "Computer operating system software; graphical user interface software."
Every company having the registered trademark "Launchpad," has it for distinct reasons linked to the International Class it was filed under. Apple's description is very different from Ubuntu and the USPTO examiner has simply stated that Apple has failed to provide them with evidence as to why Apple should be granted the trademark. It didn't deny Apple the trademark due to prior ownership issues.
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. About Comments: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit comments.
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