Apple Sues Trademark Office to Register ‘Smart Keyboard’ Name

Apple Inc. sued the US Patent and Trademark Office after one of its administrative tribunals refused to register a trademark for the “Smart Keyboard” name because it is generic.

The complaint said the name has developed secondary meaning, and that the PTO has granted trademark registrations for a family of Apple products under the “Smart” brand name, including “Smart Cover,” “Smart Case,” and “Smart Connector.”

The Smart Keyboard accessory, which Apple released in 2015, magnetically attaches to an iPad and allows the user to transmit keystrokes without the need for a Bluetooth connection, according to the lawsuit filed Oct. 28. ...