iTunes Pass trademark

Filing through the US Patent and Trademark Office, Apple has applied for a trademark on the concept of its iTunes Pass service. The option is a subset of the iTunes Store, allowing shoppers to pay for a complete musical collection -- usually from a particular band -- and download each piece as it becomes available. All tracks are iTunes Plus-quality, and can be accompanied by videos, exclusive songs and other material.

The concept is notably different from "true" subscription services such as the Zune Pass, in which people pay a monthly fee for a regularly supply of tracks of their choice. All iTunes Pass content is owned on a permanent basis, and does not necessarily cost less together than bought separately. Apple has been rumored to have an interest in monthly or annual subscriptions, but has not leaked any information in recent months.

by MacNN Staff