Apple started the procedure for the “iWatch” trademark in Japan, described as a portable computer or wristwatch product type, while South Korean rival Samsung Electronics is preparing its own similar gadget.
Apple filed the necessary documents on June 3, released on the Japan Patent Office website on June 27. Contacted by Bloomberg, the Apple spokesperson in Japan declined to comment on the information.
Rumors of Apple working on an intelligent watch have been making the news for months. In February, sources close to the company said that approximately 100 Apple engineers and designers are working on a wristwatch with smartphone functions, borrowing some functions of the iPhone and iPad.
“Apple doesn’t like to take a leadership position, but when they see a product that’s caught the consumer’s attention, they really take notice,” said Tim Bajarin, an analyst with Creative Strategies.
He added: “With Pebble doing so well, even with its limited audience, it wouldn’t surprise me if Apple turns out to be the one who does the smartwatch in a huge way. With this filing, its seems they’re absolutely moving toward something, because they don’t do these things indiscriminately.”
Pebble is a smartwatch released in 2013 by Pebble Technologies which was funded by money raised on the Kickstarter funding platform. Pebble allows its users to receive Facebook messages, tweets, notifications on incoming texts and calendar alerts.
Samsung announced in March that is also preparing to launch a “smart” wristwatch. Sony released more than a year ago the SmartWatch, which wirelessly connects to Android smartphones, can take calls and allows the user to respond to emails or text messages.
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) shares fell by 25% this year, due to slowdown in sales and tough competition coming from Asian smartphone manufacturers.
Samsung lost in June over 12% of its market capitalization after sales of the new flagship smartphone Galaxy S4 were below the expectations of market analysts and investors.
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