Apple files 11 iCloud trademarks — what’s up its sleeve?

Apple has filled 11 separate trademark applications with the US Patent & Trademark Office for its recently announced iCloud data storage service, according to a report by Patently Apple.

The 11 iCloud trademarks Apple filled represent different international classifications and cover a variety of areas, which the company could have done to help simplify the examination process and avoid the delay of an approval by the USPTO, according to the report.

Apple only filed six trademark classifications for iBooks — one of which got flagged for having an unclear description that too closely resembled another trademark classification, Patently Apple stated.

The trademark classes Apple filled for iCloud include: computers, printed publications/periodicals, hand-held game units, advertising/marketing/promotion services, telecommunications, electronic data storage, recording, education and entertainment, application service provider services and social networking.

The only classification the company applied for that doesn’t make obvious sense in regard to the iCloud service is “International Class 025: Clothing, footwear, headgear,” which could have something to do with the company’s jogging technology partnership with Nike (Nike + iPod).

If that’s the case, it might make sense for the company to hold on to the trademark in the event that similar software emerges under different brand names. If that isn’t the case, then the most likely explanation for filing the trademark would be wearable Apple device accessories.

If anyone reading can think of another explanation for iCloud as clothing, footwear or headgear, feel free to leave a comment.