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Clash of the titans?
They're absolutely correct, too. 'App store' is incredibly generic.
The whole "app" thing drives me crazy as before apple and the I products we used to have this thing called the internet where we downloaded programs for smart phones and PDA's now every company has to call them app's and have some form of app store so really it's apples fault every company is using the term but only now do they want to patent it.
An application store is a truly generic term but knowing the US patent office it will be granted :wallbash:
Microsoft Mall anyone...
This could get interesting.
There was some comments on Ars Technica yesterday saying its about as generic as 'Windows' and 'Word' :mrgreen:
Apple are not satisfied with doing well off their own back, they have to sabotage other peoples operations with pointless patents too.
Typical
Its just like saying Retail store.... pathetic if their patent does go through!.
I agree with you bear jesus, this app stuff is pretty silly when you think about it! Fair play to games and stuff as it makes it easy to access but there are many pointless things. I guess the app store was Apples excuse for not including basic functions into their phone?
Granting trademarks on any dictionary word, particularly one used in common parlance is just a joke.
Jobs-ish Tech Company: "I know, let's trademark 'stick'. Muhahahahahahahaha."
Everyone else: "Oh FFS!"
:wallbash:
App Store = Saving on OS development costs + % of app sales + more functional device off someone elses effort = WIN for phone manufacturers.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hicks12
But, if they are trademarked its only within a specific category or as a complete word, ie Microsoft Word.Quote:
Originally Posted by Terbinator
And yes, things are slowly getting too vague and woolly, much like US patents already are.
I would expect no less from Ars readers. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Terbinator
Not to mention that 'Windows' and 'Word' aren't really generic or obvious in the context of software. They just have overwhelming mind-share.Quote:
Originally Posted by BobF64
You know this will eventually boil down (in court) as to what is 'generic'.
Indeed, theres a difference between generic and synonymous.Quote:
Originally Posted by aidanjt
Say Windows to anyone with more than a basic level of computer knowledge, and they assume the OS.
Same applies with many other things too, Sellotape, Hoover and Aspirin for example.
That might well be Apples approach, whilst no others are called "app store", they wish to make the term apply to just theirs.
I think theyve left it a bit late though, its like the "netbook" trademark, where Psion bleated about having it for a product they dont make any more, dont actively market and dont even mention anywhere.
Totally agree with Microsoft - "app store" is now a generic term, although I always thought the Apple one was iTunes Application Store - which I've got no problem with Apple trying to trademark.
That said, if they don't get "app store" trademarked, I'll freely gift them an alternative:
Apple Remote Software Emporium
Okay, you wouldn't want to abbreviate that ;) - but surely an "emporium" is way better than a mere store...
(Sorry, got major RH Kickstart frustrations currently and need some comedy relief)
It certainly seems to fit the people running it and approving submissions.Quote:
Originally Posted by crossy