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Washington Mutual Patents the Bank Branch

Posted by michael on from the argh dept.

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."

3 of 291 comments (clear)

  1. What is new about this? by rollingcalf · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Other places like Borders have been doing this kind of thing for years.

    So it looks like the new trend is to take any old concept or practice, add "in a bank" and get a patent, instead of adding "on the internet".

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    There is inferior bacteria on the interior of your posterior.
  2. Let me be the first to say by shawn(at)fsu · · Score: -1, Redundant

    This is ri God Damned diculous

    This has got to be a sign that it is time for major changes at the USPTO. I could almost understand non-tech people screwing up tech patents and given patents for something clearly not innovative but this is too much.

    Screw it I'm going to get a patent for my messy room and anybody who has a messy room will have to pay me.

    I think that if I hear many more stories coming out of the USPTO like this one my head will explode.

    My friend is throwing a party tomorrow and some of his guests work at the USPTO, I think I will shake each and everyone one of them and ask the what the hell is going on. It's almost like it's a joke, they probably sit around in a conference room and see what the most ridiculous application they got that day and put it right on through.

    I can't take this anymore.

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    500 dollar reward for tip(s) leading to the arrest of the person(s) who stole my sig.
  3. Too late to patent Feng Shui? by AaronGTurner · · Score: 1, Redundant

    Or has someone done it already, and I will have to pay a fee if I place a red candle in the northernmost corner of the living room?