Apple Reveals New "Live Listen" Trademark Prior to iPhone Event
On August 12, 2013, the US Patent & Trademark Office published Apple's latest trademark application for "Live Listen." With Apple's iPhone event quickly approaching, Apple may be hinting that there's another aspect to iTunes Radio that may be announced during their keynote. Apple's trademark filing lists two International Classes covering such matters as radio transmitters, docking stations and assistive listening. Report Update Aug 13, 2013.
Apple's TM Application In-Part for "Live Listen"
Trademark Coverage
Apple has primarily filed their trademark under International Class 009 which covers the following: "Computers; computer peripheral devices; handheld mobile digital electronic devices capable of providing access to the Internet and for the sending, receiving, and storing of telephone calls, faxes, electronic mail, and other digital data; sound recording and reproducing apparatus; radio transmitters, and receivers; audio amplifiers; audio receivers; earphones, headphones; audio speakers; microphones; audio components and accessories; wireless communication devices for voice, data or image transmission; computer software; electrical and electronic connectors, couplers, wires, cables, chargers, docks, docking stations, interfaces, adapters, accessories, parts, and fittings for all of the aforesaid goods; and covers." The trademark will also cover Class 10 associated with hearing aids and assistive listening.
Claim of Priority
Apple asserts a claim of priority based on Trinidad and Tobago application number 46445, filed 02/07/2013.
A search on Apple's website doesn't list Live Listen anywhere. It also doesn't appear on an iPad search in Settings/General/Accessibility/Hearing Aids either. The same is true for an iPhone. Update August 13, 2013: It appears that "Live Listen" may be a US only feature at present. This could explain why Apple is only now filing for the trademark. This feature may be earmarked for iOS 7 for those outside the US. Time will tell if that's true.
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The trademark could be for something else other than iTunes Radio
For example, on the iPhone, Siri could have been updated in iOS 7 to have an always-on capability.
Another example, the Apple TV device could have been enhanced to have an always-on capability to allow people to control interacting with their televisions via voice.
Another example, combined with a finger print sensor could be voice and facial recognition sensors that enable people to securely interact with their cars, homes, etc.
Yes, these examples are not as easy to think and write about as the more obvious iTunes Radio, but they are worth considering merely due to the fact Apple really could have something more magical to present alongside new iPhones, iPads, Macs and iOS 7.
Posted by: James | August 12, 2013 at 08:47 AM