Many companies try to copy Apple's trackpad because it simply looks like it's one with the rest of the computer. It's one of the most underrated features of the MacBook, but from now on, companies will have a much harder time copying it.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has granted Apple a patent for the glass-on-metal design of its trackpads. Entitled “Portable Computer,” the patent, number D674382, was granted to Apple and includes illustrations of the trackpad design.
The patent explains that the MacBook's surface is metal while the trackpad is glass. Apple has been using glass-on-metal trackpads since the new MacBook Pros debuted in 2008.
Both Steve Jobs and Jony Ive are listed as designers on the patent.
Dimitrios Georgoulas @ GreekAppleNews
