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Article: Zippo Patents Shape of Its Lighters
- Article from:
- AP Online
- Article date:
- February 24, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Associated Press. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Associated Press. (Hide copyright information)
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00-00-0000
Dateline: BRADFORD, Pa.
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The Zippo lighter is easily recognizable: a rectangular metal shell
with beveled edges and a gently curved flip-top.
That simple design is just as easy to copy, and Zippo Manufacturing
Co., which has been making the popular lighters for more than 70 years,
wants that to stop.
The lighter's shape now registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office, the company has been moving against makers of imitations and
pressing retailers to get the knockoffs off the shelves. The company
is telling manufacturers and vendors of copycat products to stop by
June 30 or face legal action.
"If you see that shape, you say, 'Zippo,'" ...