Snap Inc. Bid to Trademark ‘Spectacles’ Hinges on Smart Tech

Snap Inc.'s bid to trademark the word “spectacles” for its smart glasses faced a federal judge on Tuesday, who will decide whether the term is a generic word for computer hardware worn on the face.

US Magistrate Judge Steve Kim of the Central District of California weighed the dark, rectangular shades in his hands on Tuesday while Snap witness Ryan Chan, a former employee who helped bring the product to customers, testified that the product is very different from glasses used to sharpen eyesight or for sun protection.

The device is heavier, heats up with use, and customers generally wear ...