Apple Can Trademark Retail Store Design in EU

Apple has won the right to trademark the design of its retail stores in the EU. The Court of Justice of the EU announced that Apple's flagship stores satisfy three conditions: they constitute a sign, can be graphically represented, and distinguish Apple products from third-party goods and services. Apple was able to trademark the design of its retail stores in the U.S. last year, about 2.5 years after filing the original application. The company also wanted a trademark overseas, but was met with resistance from German officials. The battle was eventually referred last year to the European Court of Justice.