Of Interest: Apple, known for their technology breakthroughs, recently made a breakthrough of another kind as they were granted a trademark by the USPTO on the look and feel of their stores. Is there something in here for you?

Jennifer Major, an IP Specialist at Sullivan & Worcester, wrote this article analyzing the recent (1/22/2013) grant by the USPTO to Apple of a service mark on the principle register for the look and layout of an Apple store.  According to Ms. Major Microsoft is also looking to trademark the look and layout of their store as well. A trade or service mark is a mark that identifies to the consumer the source of the mark.  Even when I am in an unfamiliar shopping location I can easily spot an Apple store just by looking through the glass and seeing that simple arrangement of tables displaying products.  So read the article and if your customers have come to associate your clever presentation of your goods or services to you then perhaps you too should follow Apple's footsteps and protect how that presentation is made.

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