Samsung gets ‘Galaxy Gear’ trademark as it readies smartwatch

We know Samsung is making a smartwatch, and now, we might know its name: the Galaxy Gear.

Earlier this year, Samsung confirmed that it was among the half-dozen companies developing a smartwatch, but since then, the South Korean tech giant hasn’t said anything of note about the device.

But last week, the company was issued a trademark for the name “Samsung Galaxy Gear” by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

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The document doesn’t say too much about the device, but at the very least, consumers now have an idea of what Samsung’s smartwatch might be called.

“Wearable digital electronic devices in the form of a wristwatch, wrist band or bangle capable of providing access to the Internet and for sending and receiving phone calls, electronic mails and messages; wearable electronic handheld devices in the form of a wristwatch, wrist band or bangle for the wireless receipt, storage and/or transmission of data and messages and for keeping track of or managing personal information; smart phones; tablet computers; portable computers,” the trademark description reads.

Last month, Apple also may have outed the name for its upcoming smartwatch through trademark filings. The company received trademarks for the name “iWatch” in a handful of countries.

It’s unclear when either company could finally unveil their smartwatch device, but some believe Samsung could do so as early as next month.

It has scheduled an announcement for Sept. 4 when it will likely unveil the Galaxy Note III smartphone and perhaps even the Galaxy Gear.

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