Samsung seeks smart watch trademarks in US, South Korea

Samsung Electronics Co has applied for US and South Korean trademarks for a watch that connects to the Internet.

The company described "Samsung Galaxy Gear" as a wearable digital electronic device in the form of a wristwatch, wrist band or bangle in its July 29 application with US Patent and Trademark Office. A month earlier, it applied for a "Samsung Gear" trademark in South Korea.

Samsung in May registered design patents in South Korea that show a wristwatch with a flexible display.

The trademark filings are the latest sign that global technology companies are racing to apply mobile technology to wearable products such as watches and glasses.

Earlier in July, it was revealed Apple Inc, too, has applied for a trademark for its "iWatch" in Japan. The trademark application would cover computers, computer peripherals and wristwatches.