Apple Gains Approval To Trademark Store Layouts In EU

(RTTNews) - Apple Inc. (AAPL) has won a court ruling that allows the tech giant to trademark its retail store layouts in the European Union. The maker of iPhones and iPads has already acquired similar copyright protection in the US.

Europe's highest court stated that Apple's flagship stores fulfills the three conditions required for a trademark registration, i.e.: constitute a sign, capable of graphic representation, and be capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one undertaking from those of other.

Last year, Apple acquired the US trademark for its retail store layout design, which includes the facade, the interior designing and "Genius Bar" technical support section.

Apple had tried to extend its US trademark to Europe, however, had an issue with the the German authorities. The German Patent and Trademark office said that Apple can not register the layout of a shop. Apple then took its case to the German courts, but failed to get an approval for the trademark. The courts then referred the case to the European Court of Justice, where Apple got a favorable ruling.

"From this the Court concludes that the representation of the layout of a retail store, by a design alone, without indicating the size or the proportions, may be registered as a trade mark for services, which although relating to goods, do not form an integral part of their offer for sale." the court said in its judgment.

AAPL is currently trading at $95.14, down $0.25 or 0.26%, on the Nasdaq.