Apple has updated its "Think Different" trademark in a new European Patent and Trademark Office filing, covering it for use across the company's growing line of products.

The filing expands the International Classes to which the trademark can be applied from one to eight. Those classes now cover Apple Watch, Apple Pay, Apple Pencil, iPad, games, business management, subscription services, telecommunications, broadcasting, music, television, educational services, and Siri.

Think Different
Originally filed on February 24, the update is the first time Apple has amended the trademark since 2009, when the iPod was added to its classes, reports Patently Apple.

The slogan first appeared in Apple's 1997 "Think Different" ad campaign, marking Steve Jobs' return to the company after leaving in 1985. The trademark, widely assumed to be a response to IBM's motto "Think", continued to feature in Apple TV and print ads up to the launch of the iMac G4 in 2002, but has not appeared since.


It remains to be seen whether the filing marks a return of the slogan's use in future Apple ad campaigns, or is simply a preventative measure to stop other companies adopting the phrase.

Top Rated Comments

smacrumon Avatar
127 months ago
Unfortunately Apple has its current thinking set at "very same". It’s very apparent Apple’s current strategy is to go for the $, but its trajectory is completely off in terms of great products. If 5SE is really a serious product name and protruding camera lenses continue alongside visible antenna bands and differentiated models-- investors dump your stocks. Apple needs to get back to pure simplicity. The product line up is becoming bloated and worst of all, confusing. The designs look average and the result of compromises. Apple needs to trash its Beats branding-- they’re just not "Apple" quality. These two ads from 2007 and 2008 highlight thinking different with the simplicity and purity of the product design offered and the way in which each product was marketed in a clever fashion. They also communicate the clarity of the Apple brand at the time.
Solar:

Envelope:
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mums Avatar
127 months ago
Too late Apple. Until you think differently again.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Porco Avatar
127 months ago
Are we sure they didn't mean to trademark 'Thin different' this time? ;)
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pat500000 Avatar
127 months ago
"Think money."
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Bubba Satori Avatar
127 months ago
I'm going to pass on this one.
It's just too easy and kind of sad.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
xbjllb Avatar
127 months ago
This was quite true and effective back in the day when they were a personal computer company with a minority market share.

Now that they are a ubiquitous disposable mobile device maker, it seems a bit incongruous and disingenuous. But probably designed to play on the fight with the powers that be over security vs. privacy.

Apple might do well to study the failure of Columbia Records PR campaign to establish itself as an "anti-establishment" "rock" label in the late 60's early 70's. I'm sure Jobs was familiar with the notable failure, even Rolling Stone laughed at them as they took their ad money.

Why it's occasionally beneficial to keep old people around.

:apple:
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

apple store down feature

Here's Why the Apple Store is Going Down

Thursday November 27, 2025 1:01 pm PST by
Apple's online store is going down for a few hours on a rolling country-by-country basis right now, but do not get your hopes up for new products. Apple takes its online store down for a few hours ahead of Black Friday every year to tease/prepare for its annual gift card offer with the purchase of select products. The store already went down and came back online in Australia and New Zealand, ...
iPhone Pocket Short

iPhone Pocket is Now Completely Sold Out Worldwide

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:16 am PST by
Apple recently teamed up with Japanese fashion brand ISSEY MIYAKE to create the iPhone Pocket, a limited-edition knitted accessory designed to carry an iPhone. However, it is now completely sold out in all countries where it was released. iPhone Pocket became available to order on Apple's online store starting Friday, November 14, in the United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, ...
streaming black friday 2025

Best Black Friday Streaming Deals - Save Big on Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, and More

Thursday November 27, 2025 1:14 pm PST by
We've been focusing on deals on physical products over the past few weeks, but Black Friday is also a great time of year to purchase a streaming membership. Some of the biggest services have great discounts for new and select returning members this week, including Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When...
New Intel Logo

Apple and Intel Rumored to Partner on Mac Chips Again in a New Way

Friday November 28, 2025 7:33 am PST by
While all Macs are now powered by Apple's custom-designed chips, a new rumor claims that Apple may rekindle its partnership with Intel, albeit in a new and limited way. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said Intel is expected to begin shipping Apple's lowest-end M-series chip as early as mid-2027. Kuo said Apple plans to utilize Intel's 18A process, which is the "earliest...
Apple Foldable Thumb

Foldable iPhone to Debut These Three Breakthrough Features

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:09 am PST by
Apple's first foldable iPhone is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in fall 2026, and it's shaping up to include three standout features that could set it apart from the competition. The book-style foldable will reportedly feature an industry-first 24-megapixel under-display camera built into the inner display, according to a recent JP Morgan equity research report. That...
iphone air camera

iPhone Air Flop Sparks Industry Retreat From Ultra-Thin Phones

Thursday November 27, 2025 3:14 am PST by
Apple's disappointing iPhone Air sales are causing major Chinese mobile vendors to scrap or freeze their own ultra-thin phone projects, according to reports coming out of Asia. Since the ‌iPhone Air‌ launched in September, there have been reports of poor sales and manufacturing cuts, while Apple's supply chain has scaled back shipments and production. Apple supplier Foxconn has...
iphone black friday gold

The Best Black Friday iPhone Deals Still Available

Friday November 28, 2025 6:24 am PST by
Cellular carriers have always offered big savings on the newest iPhone models during the holidays, and Black Friday 2025 sales have kicked off at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and more. Right now we're tracking notable offers on the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. For even more savings, keep an eye on older models during the holiday shopping season. Note: MacRumors is...