The rumored iWatch is not just making some buzz in the United States but the purported wearable gadget from Apple has been creeping onto the pages of trademark registries in different countries.
The Russian newspaper Izvestia reported that Apple filed an "iWatch" trademark in Russia. The move may support the rumors that the device will come out before the end of 2013 or possibly be consistent with KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo's prediction that the iWatch will be rolled out on the latter part of 2014.
According to an article on Apple Insider, Izvestia detailed that the iWatch was registered under the 9th and 14th classes of the International Classification of Goods and Services.
Looking at the Google Translation of the Russian report, Apple had to register it under the 14th class because it is a timing device while the registration under the 9th class denotes the multiple functions of the electronic device.
The Izvestia also reported that Apple first registered the iWatch trademark in Jamaica with a posting date of December 3, 2012.
The Russian newspaper also took note of the competition for the iWatch trademark. It listed existing Russian trademarks such as the iSwatch belonging to a Swiss company leading to the denial of the registration of iWatch by another firm in 2011. There is also a domain name using the same words but registered as a market research website.
Apple often uses dummy companies abroad when it registers for trademarks abroad but obviously the Russian newspaper did not see any intention from Apple to make the trademark registration any secret. The iPhone and iPad maker usually applies for trademarks in countries where the information will not be readily online such as in some Caribbean countries.
Meanwhile, in the United States, Apple was granted a patent for a curved battery that will be used for electronic device.
"A battery cell, comprising: a set of layers comprising, a cathode with an active coating, a separator, and an anode with an active coating; wherein the set of layers were curved during a manufacturing process to form a curved battery cell," the patent filing stated.The patent also declared that the battery can be manufactured with one or two curved ends. This will be done using curved plates applied with corresponding pressure.
A curved lithium-polymer battery pack will surely spark more rumors about the good possibility of seeing an iWatch since this kind of power source will not fit any existing Apple device.
