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:

Hicks12
I guess the app store was Apples excuse for not including basic functions into their phone?

App Store = Saving on OS development costs + % of app sales + more functional device off someone elses effort = WIN for phone manufacturers.

Terbinator
There was some comments on Ars Technica yesterday saying its about as generic as ‘Windows’ and ‘Word’ :mrgreen:

But, if they are trademarked its only within a specific category or as a complete word, ie Microsoft Word.

And yes, things are slowly getting too vague and woolly, much like US patents already are.

Terbinator
There was some comments on Ars Technica yesterday saying its about as generic as ‘Windows’ and ‘Word’ :mrgreen:

I would expect no less from Ars readers. ;)

BobF64
But, if they are trademarked its only within a specific category or as a complete word, ie Microsoft Word.

And yes, things are slowly getting too vague and woolly, much like US patents already are.

Not to mention that ‘Windows’ and ‘Word’ aren't really generic or obvious in the context of software. They just have overwhelming mind-share.

You know this will eventually boil down (in court) as to what is ‘generic’.

aidanjt
Not to mention that ‘Windows’ and ‘Word’ aren't really generic or obvious in the context of software. They just have overwhelming mind-share.

Indeed, theres a difference between generic and synonymous.

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)

crossy
Apple Remote Software Emporium

It certainly seems to fit the people running it and approving submissions.

Seen quite a few articles on the web calling this hypocritical. Can't find myself agreeing though personally. ‘App Store’ is a generic term relating to a store that sells apps. ‘Windows’ refers to either a computer operating system or “An opening in the wall or roof of a building or vehicle that is fitted with glass or other transparent material in a frame to admit light or air and allow people to see out”. ‘Windows’ wasn't in common usage as a term describing computer software until long after Microsoft patented the word, ‘App Store’ however, has been in common usage for years. Steve Jobs even used it to describe competing software stores during press conferences last year. Beats me how they think the term can be patented now.

Terbinator
You know this will eventually boil down (in court) as to what is ‘generic’.

Can I copyright the word “generic”, should sort out this years holiday fund.