Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Is Amazon Getting Into The Language Learning Field?

Recent trademark applications at the United States Patent and Trademark Office indicate Amazon may be getting into the language learning field. On February 25th, Amazon Technologies, Inc. filed federal trademark applications for AMAZON ENGLISH and AMAZON ENGLISH plus design (seen below).
Amazon filed both applications in identical classes and both on an intent-to-use basis (meaning Amazon is not using these trademarks in commerce yet but has a bona fide intention to do so soon).

The goods and services listed on each application are numerous and include filings in Classes 009, 035, 038, 041, and 042. Those goods and services range anywhere from computer hardware, advertising services, streaming services, education services, and to providing platforms as a service. The services that stand out are "education services, namely, language learning services" in Class 041 and "providing a website featuring online non-downloadable software for assisting users with language learning" in Class 042.

Does this mean Amazon is coming out with some sort of language learning platform? That's a strong possibility. These two trademark applications give Amazon a wide range of legal protection - the word mark application protects the phrase AMAZON ENGLISH in a variety of fonts, sizes, and colors. The design application protects the look and feel of the logo. And of course, the large number of goods and services listed in the applications give Amazon protection if other entities use anything similar to AMAZON ENGLISH or the design on any goods or services related to those listed.

Keep a look out for an announcement regarding AMAZON ENGLISH soon.

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