ALEXANDRIA, Va.-Apple Computer Inc. fueled speculation about its intentions in wireless as the company’s efforts to trademark the phrase “Mobile Me” came to light.
Apple has filed a series of applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office laying claim to “Mobile Me” to cover a variety of offerings including “telecommunication services for the dissemination of information by mobile telephone, namely the transmission of data to mobile telephones.” The four filings also address gadgets and software for playing digital music and video, e-mail services, and synchronization software.
An Apple representative was not immediately available for comment.
The documents served as a catalyst for existing rumors that have the company diving headfirst into wireless with its own mobile phone and perhaps as a mobile virtual network operator.
Indeed, Apple has also gained the rights to the iPhone.org Internet address, which directs users to the company’s home page.
