Apple applies for 'iWatch' trademark in Japan, suggesting it might be working on wristwatch
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The Apple Store on 5th avenue in New York City. (Apple)
Apple Inc. has applied for a trademark in Japan for "iWatch," indicating it may be proceeding with rumored plans to produce a smart wristwatch.
A document obtained Monday from the Japan Patent Office's website says the application was made June 3 and made public June 27.
It was not immediately clear when the application might be approved. Patent office and Apple officials in Japan were not available for comment late Monday.
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Apple is rumored to be working on a smart watch that would run on a version of the operating system used by its iPhone and iPad. The company has not confirmed those rumors, but CEO Tim Cook has hinted that it may be developing a wearable computing device such as a wristwatch.