It seems like Apple gets a new patent every few days.
Just on Tuesday, it won patents for a 3D remote mechanism and for a technology that allows it to detect unauthorized use of your phone, according to Apple Insider.
Some patents are useful, unique, and truly innovative.
But there are other patents Apple seems to have filed out of habit.
We have compiled a list of what we think are the most far-fetched, ridiculous patents Apple has filed in its short history. Of course, we couldn't ignore its rounded edges and rounded square icons patents.
(NOTE: You will need a TIFF plug-in to view the patent drawings on the U.S. Patent Office's website.)
Glass staircase
Patent No.: D478,999 S
Patent Date: August 26, 2003
Apple has claimed a design patent for its glass staircase, which appears at a number of its stores from New York to Paris. This one struck as odd because it doesn't relate to any of Apple's innovative products – just its shiny retail locations.
Source: USPTO
In-store iPad stand
Patent No.: D662,939 S
Patent Date: July 3, 2012
Yes, Apple patented the design of its in-store iPad stands — those plastic, seemingly uncomplicated things Apple tablets sit on at most stores.
Packaging
Patent No.: D596,485 S
Patent Date: July 21, 2009
Apple also patents the designs of its packaging — in this case, the original iPhone's box is seen in its different divisions. Patenting the actual products isn't enough for Apple apparently.
Source: USPTO
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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