Apple updates trademarks to include videogames

Apple is applying to update its many trademarks to include videogames, specifically handheld products.

A listing on the United States Patent and Trademark Office shows that the iPod maker has filed an application to cover, "Toys, games and playthings, namely, handheld units for playing electronic games; handheld units for playing videogames; stand alone videogame machines; electronic games other than those adapted for use with televisions receivers only; LCD games machines, electronic educational game machines; toys, namely battery-powered computer games."

Apple currently sells games for its iPod media player, with EA, PopCap and Namco all supplying titles sold through Apple's iTunes.

The company has long been rumoured to make a more significant step in the games space, most recently following the launch of the iPhone.

Some industry watchers are sceptical the company would unveil a device purely for videogames, but rather that Apple prefers to create gadgets that cater to multiple forms of entertainment.