My House of Ink

They say that Apple users are a completely different breed, and I think there’s some truth to that claim. For example, I’ve been using the computers and various other peripheral devices since the mid ’80s and the introduction of the Macintosh computer. It seems a bit silly now, but the Mac was innovative for bringing a graphical user interface and the use of a mouse to mainstream consumers.

Apple adherents also tend to appreciate sleek industrial designs. Remember how incredible the iMac appeared upon its introduction in the ’90s? Just putting a CPU and monitor together in one stylish unit was a breakthrough. Most recently I’ve been impressed by the iPad and the recent unveiling of the iPhone 4. And while innovation is certainly the company’s M.O., they still offer high-quality Apple toner cartridges and other staple computer products. At this point, it’s just fun to see what Apple will come up with next.

For emerging companies, name recognition is one of the biggest obstacles. Many people will purchase products simply because of a familiar moniker, and while most companies dream about being a household name, for others it is actually cause for distress. If a name becomes too ubiquitous, it runs the risk of losing its copyright protection. Note that little symbol at the end of the “Xerox” image; without that, any company would have free reign to use that name.

For example, do you blow your nose with Kleenex or facial tissue? Do you use Q-Tips or cotton swabs? Make copies or Xerox? While these distinctions may seem pedestrian enough, the aforementioned companies have all made concerted efforts to distinguish their unique product and moniker from the competition in order to maintain their copyright. This ensures that Kleenex is the only one who can use that title for marketing facial tissues and Xerox printer ink and machines maintain their level of differentiation.