Apple Attempts to Trademark their USB 2.0 Cable Design
It was recently revealed by the US Patent & Trademark Office that Apple has filed a trademark application for their USB 2.0 cable design. The cable connects an iPhone or iPod directly through to a Dock or a Mac's USB port for efficient syncing and charging. Apple has filed their trademark under a single International Class that interestingly broke out "electronic book readers" as a product category that they want covered. At this stage in the game you'd think that we'd be seeing the cable design relate to USB 3.0 or even a hybrid cable. Perhaps their lawyers are just a little too busy at the moment on more pressing matters (ha!).
Apple's Trademark Application In-Part
Apple's USB 2.0 Cable Design & Photo
Apple Trademark: International Class Details
International Class 009: Electrical connectors, wires, cables, chargers, and adapters, all for use with computers, computer peripherals, consumer electronics, portable and handheld digital electronic devices, digital media players, handheld computers, tablet computers, mobile phones, electronic book readers, electronic personal organizer, personal digital assistant, electronic calendar, and global positioning system (GPS) devices.
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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Apple is trying to protect their new icon! The application states: "The mark consists of a horizontal line surrounded by a rectangle with rounded corners." This is arguably an even bigger deal, especially if you are a manufacturer of compatible cables.
Posted by: Rich | July 17, 2011 at 09:38 PM
It looks like they're trying to TM the symbol on the cable itself.
Posted by: Kirk | July 16, 2011 at 12:18 PM