If you were thinking of building an all-glass store in the shape of a cube in New York City or elsewhere, you might want to think again. Cause Apple has a patent for that.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office this week officially granted the Cupertino tech giant an ornamental building design patent for the latest version of the iconic cube store located on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, according to Apple Insider. The latest design is the result of a $6.7 million remodel back in 2011 when the company, in typical Apple fashion, swapped out the store's 90 glass panels with just 15 for a cleaner, simpler look.
Apple's late co-founder Steve Jobs personally designed the store, and is credited in the patent as one of seven inventors of the cube. Former retail Chief Ron Johnson is also named, along with Karl Backus, Peter Bohlin, Robert Bridger, Benjamin L. Fay, and James O'Callaghan. The patent, which Apple applied for in October 2012, is good for 14 years.
This isn't the first time Apple has patented a store design. In March 2012, Apple was awarded a design patent for its retail store in Shanghai. The store, located steps away from the Shanghai's Pearl Tower, features a cylindrical glass tower with the glowing, white Apple logo floating within — much like the glass cube in New York.
The company also recently trademarked the design of its retail stores, including the glass-panel fronts and recessed lighting.
Meanwhile, Apple may have some new company on Fifth Ave soon. Word is that Microsoft is in talks to open up its first ever retail store in NYC, and it will reportedly be located at 677 Fifth Avenue near 53rd Street — a stone's throw from Apple's store.