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

Since when is environment patentable?

[Crudely_Indecent]

I can understand patenting logos, designs, even shoe tread patterns.........but furniture layout?

Ok, I'm going to file for my own patent. I'll call it "Geek Apartment" and it will consist of empty soda cans, dirty laundry, an unmade bed, and between 6 and 14 computers in various states of assembly (all running however).

There's your fair warning, soon you'll all be paying me royalties, or cleaning your apartments.

Re:Since when is environment patentable?

[josh3736]

There's your fair warning, soon you'll all be paying me royalties, or cleaning your apartments.

Finally, you have given us a reason to get off our collective asses and clean up that funny stuff that's been growing in the corner.

So I say, patent away! You'll be doing a favor for society.

Re:Since when is environment patentable?

[kunudo]

I think there might be some prior art on that one... :)

However, I have a feeling that that won't stop the USPTO from awarding you your patent...

Re:Since when is environment patentable?

[dbarclay10]

Ok, I'm going to file for my own patent. I'll call it "Geek Apartment" and it will consist of empty soda cans, dirty laundry, an unmade bed, and between 6 and 14 computers in various states of assembly (all running however). There's your fair warning, soon you'll all be paying me royalties, or cleaning your apartments.

Finally, you have given us a reason to get off our collective asses and clean up that funny stuff that's been growing in the corner.

The last time I tried to clean up the funny smell that's been growing in the corner, it beat me with a stick and made me feed it Doritos crumbs.

Re:Since when is environment patentable?

[Tablizer]

The last time I tried to clean up the funny smell that's been growing in the corner, it beat me with a stick and made me feed it Doritos crumbs.

It's called a "wife"

Re:Physical design

[Vicegrip]

A 20 year monopoly on the arrangment of 'stuff' is ok with you?

By the way, I hope you are not infringing my patent on "poor taste furniture" covering such things such as the use of duct tape to cover broken springs.

Also, if you hang up your towels next to your shower, I'm going to sue.

Re:Physical design

[kfg]

I'm actually okay with this one. At least this is a patent on something physical, something that can be built.

Dear Sir,

I note that the way you have laid out your work area including a play area for your child is my idea, as is the coffepot in the corner.

This is my intellectual property. If you do not remove the playpen and coffee pot you will be hearing from my laywers.

Good day.

KFG

Outta hand

[nurb432]

When do we get to hear about a patent awarded for " a method of refreshing spent oxygen in the blood stream of mammals".

Re:..excuse me... but this is stupid

[dipipanone]

But since we're in the mood, let me be the first girl to patent the blow job. Yes, I invented it and it is now my intellectual property!

Not so fast, not so fast.

As your local USPTO inspector, before I can grant you your patent, I really think you'd better be giving me a demonstration of this so called 'new invention' that you've come up with.

I need to be able to compare it with some of the sex acts that various other women are claiming as 'prior art'.

Present yourself at my office, first thing on Monday morning -- and bring a sturdy pair of kneepads.