Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2010/10/12/apple_trademark/
Apple trade marks 'There's an app for that'
Reg subs break out in cold sweat
Posted in Networks, 12th October 2010 11:48 GMT
Apple has managed to get a US trade mark on "There's an app for that", at least with reference to retailing of applications for use on electronic devices.
The phrase does feature prominently in Apple's advertising, and already has a life of its own as a joke punchline and editor's easy headline option, but now anyone using it will need to recognise Apple's ownership.
In the UK we don't tend to highlight every trademark with a TM logo, but the registration of the mark does mean that Apple will be able to exert some control over its use.
The original mark was filed back in December last year, as shown above. Lower case samples were provided in August and last week the mark was awarded to Apple for the use of the phrase with reference to:
"Retail store services featuring computer software provided via the Internet and other computer and electronic communication networks; retail store services featuring computer software for use on handheld mobile digital electronic devices and other consumer electronics."
Apple has carefully not limited itself to the iPhone there, perhaps with a view to the time when Apple can look to your TV and say "There's an app for that" - which is more than anyone else will be able to do. ®