This article stood out to me, as Apple stores are simply large rooms consisting of long tables and stools, each of them having either computers, iPads, iPhones, and/or iPods on them for display. As a matter of fact, I have seen other companies' stores having the same layout, like Windows and phone shops like T-Mobile and Verizon.
It seems like what Apple wanted to do was fight the fake Apple stores increasing in China and some other countries. Buy my question is, what will happen to those stores such as Windows who have similar layouts as Apple stores? Will they be forced to change their design? This is a little unreasonable to me, as it's not like the layout of the Apple stores are extremely unique.
http://www.winbeta.org/news/weekend-discussion-apple-trademarks-its-retail-store-design-and-layout-should-microsoft-be
I think Apple was definitely reacting to this: http://allthingsd.com/20120823/samsung-opens-new-apple-store-in-australia/
ReplyDeleteEach Samsung Experience Store has “Samsung Smart Tutors” in blue shirts hahah
Wow, I did not know about this! Thanks for the information.
DeleteWhile opening a very similar copy of the Apple store during the current lawsuit based on Samsung copying Apple's designs certainly doesn't help their case, this form of retail store experience isn't particularly an "Apple" design either. I believe Best Buy used to have the Geek Squad specialists at their own Genius Bars.
ReplyDeleteAs you said, if Apple does copyright the Apple Store, it will be interesting to see what every other retail store may have to change in terms of design of the store as well as what the employees can wear.
It is amazing seeing how far and detailed patents can become and how encompassing companies are getting with them just to provide a competitive advantage. It is a business in its self protecting your business' originality.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Brandon-- I was pretty surprised reading this. I never would have thought someone would have ever even considered patenting the design for the store. It just goes to show you how far people are willing to go to protect their intellectual property....very interesting article though.
DeleteThis goes to show how almost anything can be legitimized and protected through a legal framework. For Apple, their unique approach to retail and marketing has set them apart from the rest. Being able to trademark something as simple as their store layout or file a design patent on the rounded corners of their phones could make the difference in the entire marketplace.
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