Washington Mutual Patents the Bank Branch

ewhac writes "Okay, so it's not a bank branch per se, but a particular kind of bank branch -- one that has play areas for kids, serves coffee and popcorn, and has kiosks instead of teller windows. Washington Mutual has dubbed this branch design, "Occasio" (a generic Latin word meaning, "favorable opportunity," and which has probably been trademarked). The San Francisco Chronicle reports that it may be the first time the USPTO has awarded a patent for the design of a retail store/presence."

Comments

And most americans are...

[howman]

totaly unaware that the rest of the world is laughing at them and not with them... When will it end, this patent fiasco? Has the worlds super power gone totaly mad? I thought it was just the technology side of things that came up with crazy patent ideas, but come on, enviornments... I can understand some of Frank Gehry's work , but a bank that serves popcorn and has a childrens play area... Great, what if I open a Mc Corporate Death Burgers inside an AMC theatre and put in an instant teller... Am I likely to be sued?