Apple looks to expand iTunes trademarks
updated 03:05 pm EDT, Mon April 21, 2008
iTunes trademark expands
Apple is working to greatly expand the reach of its iTunes trademark, a filing at the European Trademark Office reveals. While Apple already owns multiple trademarks related to its combination music and video software, the new application would see the number of applicable categories jump from four to 19, making it extremely difficult for other companies to poach the name. Apple has in the past encountered conflicts with names such as "iPhone" or "iTV," due to other companies laying early claim. Problems with the latter resulted in the Apple TV.
Many of the categories do not directly relate to Apple's field of expertise; Class 11 covers items such as lighting, heating and cooking appliances, while Class 18 covers leather goods, and Class 25 applies to clothing. The largest category is Class 35, which covers the sort of online retail services available through the iTunes Store.
