Apple fails to register iPad design in Russia

Apple's attempt to register a patent in Russia for the schematic design of its iPad has been rejected. Russia's Chamber for Patent Disputes, which handles appeals of decisions made by the Russian Patent Office, rejected Apple's attempt to secure a patent on the iPad's design, claiming that the features Apple wished to patent are not so original as to make them deserving of a design patent. Apple's luck in the Russian market stands in stark contrast to its fortunes in the American patent sphere, where it was recently granted a patent on the same design elements.

Cnews reports that Apple had tried to argue that the rounded corners, flat front surface, and round button under the screen were "distinctive features" meant to "catch [consumers' eyes] at once." The iPad maker had initially filed its design patent application two years ago, only to have it rejected by the Russian Patent Office in April of this year.

In rejecting Apple's move for an appeal, the Chamber for Patent Disputes said that Apple's design was "traditional for modern communication devices, manufactured by different vendors." The specific aspects of Apple's design, it said, were "inconspicuous differences in dimensions, screen size, and buttons layout" and were "not essential distinction criteria."

By Electronista Staff

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