Silly Patent of the Day Dep't

Michael Gartenberg | August 04, 2003, 01:15 PM

"The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has approved a new trademarked logo designed to denote areas where use of cellular telephones is restricted. The logo, signs and stickers are available from the company's website."

"It is a simple but clear indicator to the public to refrain from using cell phones in places where their use would be inappropriate or potentially dangerous," said Sandy Middleton Marshall, designer of the trademarked logo. "Displaying the logo helps businesses and institutions gently remind patrons not to use their cellular phones in designated areas. They know immediately to turn off their phones while in that particular venue."

The logo says "No Cellphone Zone" and has a silohuette of a cellphone with the classic no circle and line. As usual, the patent office approved something that there's no way to protect in court. Besides the fact that the uniqueness can't be defended in court, this sign doesn't really do what it says. Does "No Cellphone Zone" really tell people they should turn their phones off, as is required in hopitals, or will they interpret as meaning "don't talk on your phone here?"

Thanks to Smartphonethoughts for the link to Geekzone.