Apple Refused Patent For iPad Mini

Computer giant Apple has been denied a US patent for its hugely popular iPad Mini.

The US Patent and Trademark Office refused to grant Apple's application for a trademark on the grounds that it was "merely descriptive".

The ruling said that the "applied-for mark merely describes a feature or characteristic of applicant's goods".

And it said Apple had failed to "create a unique, incongruous, or non-descriptive meaning in relation to the goods being small handheld mobile devices comprising tablet computers capable of providing internet access".

Apple has until July to appeal if it wishes to try to convince the patent office to change its mind.