Apple is granted a trademark on its store layout

pctech · Feb 03, 2013, 15:04:33

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/02/01/apple_trademark_shop_design/

Its getting a little daft now don't you think?

Simon · Feb 03, 2013, 17:41:32

Well, the US Patent and Trademark office is as much to blame.

Technical Ben · Feb 03, 2013, 18:06:41

While a trademark is not a patent, it is still silly. You should only need to trademark your logo. Possibly your colours or icons. But layout? That's silly. As there should be no chance of passing off without the logo.

PS, worse than I thought, I thought they were trademarking the website layout... but it's the actual stores? :O

QuoteRectangular tables arranged in a line in the middle of the store parallel to the walls and extending from the storefront to the back of the store.

This... cannot... be... real?

kinmel · Feb 03, 2013, 20:19:02

It's America, that layout gives the gunmen a better line of sight.

john · Feb 03, 2013, 20:30:13

I was in the Apple Store at the Trafford Centre last week as my daughter wanted a Mac Book Air and I had to come out because of the deafening noise

pctech · Feb 04, 2013, 10:07:33

Quote from: kinmel on Feb 03, 2013, 20:19:02
It's America, that layout gives the gunmen a better line of sight.

Niall · Feb 04, 2013, 18:22:33

This is pathetic. I can't believe that common sense has died to this extent. I'd rather believe corruption is getting these things pushed through. I've been to god only knows how many stores with layouts like that. Christ, even Waterstones in Wrexham has a layout like that as you walk in for the Kindle display!

pctech · Feb 04, 2013, 18:28:55

Apple getting ready in case the shine fades from its products?

RIM (now known as Blackberry) for years sued the shirt, trousers, shoes, socks and underwear off of any company that dared infringe its patents and now look at them.

I fear Apple may end up the same way.

Lance · Feb 05, 2013, 09:16:49

Not being anal about it, but RIM's problems are down to lack of decent consumer handsets, not for trying to enforce their patents.

Simon · Feb 05, 2013, 10:12:56

The BB Z10 looks really nice, but I've not tried it.

Steve · Feb 05, 2013, 11:36:51

Without the corporate email customers they would be dead in the water.

Gary · Feb 05, 2013, 21:14:59

Quote from: Simon on Feb 05, 2013, 10:12:56
The BB Z10 looks really nice, but I've not tried it.

Reviews seem a bit mixed, Simon. http://www.zdnet.com/blackberry-z10-review-7000010830/

Simon · Feb 05, 2013, 22:06:21

The current 'niggles', wouldn't bother me, as I don't use Twitter, so don't need multiple Twitter accounts (who does?

), and I don't use Google mail and calenders, so not being able to import that data wouldn't worry me either.

One of the main limitations of the iPhone is not being able to add storage, and were it not for the investment I've already made into the Apple device, by way of accessories, etc, and what has become a reliance on iTunes, I'd be tempted to swap.

Gary · Feb 05, 2013, 23:14:59

Quote from: Simon on Feb 05, 2013, 22:06:21
The current 'niggles', wouldn't bother me, as I don't use Twitter, so don't need multiple Twitter accounts (who does? ), and I don't use Google mail and calenders, so not being able to import that data wouldn't worry me either.

One of the main limitations of the iPhone is not being able to add storage, and were it not for the investment I've already made into the Apple device, by way of accessories, etc, and what has become a reliance on iTunes, I'd be tempted to swap.

I know what you mean, I wont buy an iMac ever again, form over function has taken over. If you dont like iCloud try Dropbox its easy and a great way to add cloud storage.

I quite like the new Sony Xperia Z, android but it's water-resistant dust proof elegant and runs Jelly Bean which is so much more polished than Android used to be, I quite like it tbh http://www.sonymobile.com/gb/products/phones/xperia-z/

The problem is I'm invested in iOS and OS X and starting again would be costly, I could sell all my Apple gear but I like my iPad, and present iMac. I use the iPad almost non stop now, and I know with iOS I'll get more updates from my phone than I will from Android unless I buy a Nexus, but the LG isn't 4G proof and cost wise I want a phone to last now. 3G wont get fixed around here with 4G being pushed from the end of this year so I want to be ready. So if the 5S or whatever it is runs on all the UK 4G networks and iOS 7 really shines I'll buy it. I always go for the bigger capacity phones so that helps too. If not something like the Xperia Z or even a Samsung could be the way forward .

The Z10 looks nice but its not really my cup of tea and its to 'unknown' that's my worry. Blackberry are not doing well and I'm not sure this phone will push them up the ladder to catch Samsung and even Apple. Saying that If Apple continue like they are doing they may not be doing that well in a few years either and that's a concern too. $:-\$

Simon · Feb 05, 2013, 23:49:10

A crystal ball would be handy.

I'm reluctant to consider Sony again, after several poor experiences in a row with SE phones. Have they really improved that much by dropping the 'E'? Another thing that concerns me with Sony is that they have a habit of abandoning products that don't sell well. I thought their one and only sat nav was brilliant, and I still use it today, but with no support, it's a dead duck.

Gary · Feb 06, 2013, 07:40:29

Quote from: Simon on Feb 05, 2013, 23:49:10
A crystal ball would be handy.

I'm reluctant to consider Sony again, after several poor experiences in a row with SE phones. Have they really improved that much by dropping the 'E'? Another thing that concerns me with Sony is that they have a habit of abandoning products that don't sell well. I thought their one and only sat nav was brilliant, and I still use it today, but with no support, it's a dead duck.

With Sony's new phones and their new tablet being pushed into a world that this time perceives the new gadgets as good powerful smartphones without to much bloat, I would imagine after SE times they now want to be seen to be keeping things up to date....crystal ball time again hey

Simon · Feb 06, 2013, 11:42:37

The only thing that really put me off the BBZ10, from that review, is the 'flimsy' back cover. I know you don't take it off every day, but build quality is one thing in Apple's favour. I'd rather have something that's slightly heavier, and feels more robust, than something lighter, that feels plasticky.

Gary · Feb 06, 2013, 13:01:56

Quote from: Simon on Feb 06, 2013, 11:42:37
The only thing that really put me off the BBZ10, from that review, is the 'flimsy' back cover. I know you don't take it off every day, but build quality is one thing in Apple's favour. I'd rather have something that's slightly heavier, and feels more robust, than something lighter, that feels plasticky.

Thats samsungs downfall, horrible plastic backs. Great software though. The Sony is made of Dragontrail glass front and back, which is like Gorilla Glass from all I read. Should feel pretty premium like the 4 and 4S. I must admit the iPhone 5 feels great but is very light. I would prefer a wider screen and at 5" but will a very small Bezel the Sony is not beyond one hand usage. That's the other issue using a phone should I think be a one handed operation for making calls etc without the fear your tea tray sized lump of glass may hit the deck and shatter.

Simon · Feb 06, 2013, 13:09:14

I have I admit, the dimensions are what put me off the iPhone 5. I think it would have been better if they'd also increased the width. To me, it seems as it would feel unbalanced for one hand operation. I sometimes struggle not to drop the 4S, because of the tendency to not hold it correctly for fear of touching something I didn't want to touch on the screen. I'm actually also surprised that Apple haven't managed to patent the icon layout on the home screen, as the BB looks quite similar.

Gary · Feb 06, 2013, 13:21:53

Quote from: Simon on Feb 06, 2013, 13:09:14
I have I admit, the dimensions are what put me off the iPhone 5. I think it would have been better if they'd also increased the width. To me, it seems as it would feel unbalanced for one hand operation. I sometimes struggle not to drop the 4S, because of the tendency to not hold it correctly for fear of touching something I didn't want to touch on the screen. I'm actually also surprised that Apple haven't managed to patent the icon layout on the home screen, as the BB looks quite similar.

The 5 is quite nice to hold its well balanced and the screen is better than the 4S colour wise. I imagine the 5S or whatever its called will be similar. The phone is very fast, with more ram it helps with some more intensive apps and just running the OS. If I don't use it much it gets 4 days happily with 6-8 hours usage. It does have a very premium feel and the height means its still a one handed device. I'll have to visit a store and look at the new handsets to see how they feel.

Simon · Feb 06, 2013, 13:31:16

I nearly went into a Carphone Warehouse yesterday, as I was passing, just to have a look at the BBZ10, but the shop was empty, and I didn't feel like having to deal with being pounced on by a sales person, so I gave it a miss.

Gary · Feb 06, 2013, 18:24:42

Quote from: Simon on Feb 06, 2013, 13:31:16
I nearly went into a Carphone Warehouse yesterday, as I was passing, just to have a look at the BBZ10, but the shop was empty, and I didn't feel like having to deal with being pounced on by a sales person, so I gave it a miss.

Its Brave to go in there when its full

Simon · Feb 06, 2013, 18:31:56