Apple file for iWatch trademark in Japan
Fueling the fires of speculation surrounding its rumoured smart watch device, Apple has just filed a patent for the ‘iWatch’ trademark in Japan.
Engadget Japan have noted several companies filing applications for the name, and single out one particularly significant application coming from an address at Infinity Loop, Cupertino – Apple’s US base of operations.
Though no further details are revealed by the filing, Apple’s interest in the trademark shows the company is at the very least hedging its bets on the name, giving them the option to pursue iWatch branding in Japan at some later date if necessary. It seems incredibly likely then that the company are exploring smartwatch devices, with an aim to marketing them in Japan.
iWatch rumours have been knocking around for years now, and have increased in regularity and potency in recent months, with suggestions that Apple’s Jony Ive is heading up a task force of some 100 developers on the project.
Apple aren’t the only company rumoured to be working on a smartwatch, with both Samsung and Google said to have devices in development.
Just last week Sony also revealed their Smartwatch 2, which pairs with Android smartphones over NFC and offers second-screen-on-the-wrist communications functions.
