Apple files for 'Indie Spotlight' trademark
updated 04:40 pm EST, Wed November 5, 2008
Apple 'Indie' trademark
Apple has filed for a trademark on one of the long-standing features of the iTunes Store, documents show. The "Indie Spotlight" section of the store has been around in various forms since 2006, and highlights favored artists whose labels have not been subsumed by a major one such as EMI, Universal or Sony BMG. Apple's selling of independent music reaches back to 2004 however, when it began carrying labels such as Beggars and V2.
Although the bulk of iTunes content now falls under major companies, Apple has continued to provide support for indie artists through actions like its Pure Play deal, meant to allow unsigned acts to sell their tracks. The Indie Spotlight trademark is being sought under International Classes 35 and 41.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2008
Is this even possible?
I fail to see how Apple can register this as a trademark - I've know the phrase "Indie Spotlight" to have been used for years - BBC Radio 1 have done so, along with many websites (quite a few of which have nothing to do with Music!).
I'm all for Apple protecting their interests, but I'm also against unnecessary trademarks that have been shown to have 'prior art'.