Trademark filings provide us all with an early look at possible future technologies and upgrades to existing devices, but Apple has an interesting way of keeping its new tech under wraps – at least for a while.
A report from Quartz reveals how the company files trademark applications for new products, including macOS and the Apple Watch, in Jamaica.
The country’s trademark databases aren’t as accessible as those in other countries, which means Apple can keep its plans under wraps for longer, while still claiming the rights to unreleased products.
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As the report states: “The Jamaica Intellectual Property Office allows visitors to search filings in person at its office in Kingston.
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“A lawyer in Jamaica, however, can be appointed to perform the search, the office told Quartz. It said it has no current plans to put its filings database online.”
According to the report, filing trademarks in Jamaica gives Apple about six extra months of privacy, with the company eventually filing in the US.
Other firms such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft also make use of Jamaica’s more secretive trademark database, but Apple is apparently the most prolific filer.
Elsewhere, Google engages in a similar practice in Tonga, while countries such as Trinidad and Tobago and South Africa are also popular with companies looking to keep trademarks a secret.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.