Yesterday's Daily Telegraph carries a piece detailing the activities of Pantone International, including the prominent role the company plays in delineating colours for trade mark purposes. On the same day, Pantone announced that it is launching a range of tableware based on the colour samples carried by travelling salesmen. Said a spokeswoman:
"With PANTONE UNIVERSE, we can now extend Pantone's color and trend expertise beyond the design professional and into products the consumer can enjoy. The Palette Plates collection is the first in a series of home products that Pantone will introduce in the coming months and years under the PANTONE UNIVERSE brand".The IPKat marvels at this novel brand extention - from settling brand disputes to becoming a brand in itself.