Apple looks to trademark 'Joint Venture'
updated 04:25 pm EST, Mon March 1, 2010
Company expanding retail efforts?
Apple is attempting to trademark a concept called "Joint Venture," filings reveal. A victory would net Apple rights under four different International Classes. The first, 035, covers "retail store services featuring computers, computer software, computer peripherals, and consumer electronic devices," while 037 involves "maintenance, installation and repair of computer hardware, computer peripherals, computer networks, and consumer electronic devices" as well as related "information, advisory and consultancy services."
Classes 041 and 042 mention "education and training services" and "technical support and consulting services" in relation to computers, various other electronics, and in the case of 041 things like online services and web design. The same class would also allow for newsletters. The combination of all four elements may suggest that Apple intends to provide a support service for businesses, making it easier to run a Mac-based company. While Apple does provide some help to business, it has mostly dodged providing the same level of support as companies like Microsoft or Dell.
