Not much is beyond the realm of a trademark application these days. Recent posts have discussed Apple’s attempts to trademark “App store,” beer companies’ trademarking area codes and people engaged in legal battles over a few letters’ difference. A recent Apple trademark application now seeks protection for ‘280.’ Companies and individuals interested in learning about trademark protections can speak to a Los Angeles business litigation attorney.
The application at first puzzled technology blogs and industry followers, until they reviewed the rest of Apple’s trademark application. ‘280’ evidently refers to Interstate 280 in Cupertino, California where Apple’s headquarters is. Interstate 280 is far more expansive than that, though, as the highway runs 57 miles and connects San Jose and San Francisco.
Along with its application, Apple submitted an image that shows the icon that it uses for its navigation application for iOS, Apple’s mobile operating system. The icon for the application shows the loop where the headquarters is, along with the section of Interstate 280 that passes north of it. The application description mentions the colors and appearance of the icon as well as simply the word ‘280.’
The ‘280’ is a necessary component of the trademark application, however, so others should not have to fear lawsuits if they speak about Interstate 280. Trademark applications require applicants to list any words that appear with the item for which protection is being sought. If the government approves its application, Apple will be able to prevent others from using a similar looking map and icon involving Interstate 280.
Klein Trial Lawyers – Los Angeles business litigation lawyers