The U.S. Patent & Trademark Office today published Apple’s latest trademark certificate, covering the “distinctive design and layout” of its iconic retail stores. Apple originally filed for the trademark in May 2010, nine years after the first Apple store opened in Tysons Corner, Virginia.
The trademark consists of two designs, according to Patently Apple, which first discovered the new certificate — one in color and one in black and white. The designs both resemble the typical Apple retail store layout, with wooden tablets in the middle and at the sides where customers can play with Apple products, and a Genius Bar and accessory shelves at the back.
The retail stores have contributed to Apple success for many years. While the first store opened in Tysons Corner, the first location to feature the trademarked layout was opened in Pasadena, CA.
The late Steve Jobs, co-founder and former CEO of Apple, and Ron Johnson, the company’s former Senior VP of Retail Operations, are credited with the design and layout of the Apple store.
