Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) appears to be gunning for software patents on a few types of mobile application, including shopping and travel related applications.
Unwired View first uncovered the three patent applications relating to the app types which Apple is trying to patent. The patent application details a hotel services application, a travel booking application and a high-end fashion retail application. The US Patent and Trademark Office published the applications on Thursday, which were submitted sometime between October and December.
The travel booking app aims to reserve travel plans, check in for flights and deliver airport and flight information. The application says that the app will need integration into an airline’s own services because it also proposes to request in-flight services and provide arrival notifications to people waiting to pick-up a travel. It would also show restaurant and travel information to the destination the traveler is headed to.
The last patent application details a high-end shopping application which users would get information about promotional and invite-only high-end fashion sales events. Users could buy clothes though the app, see what’s in stock or review fashion outlets.
Although Apple has filed patent applications, it’s not clear that the Cupertino, CA-based company has any intent to pursue any of the applications. Technology companies often file for patents in the event they may be interested in pursuing a technology down the line and doesn’t necessarily suggest that Apple is immediately working on any of those applications.
