LG Electronics has applied for trademarks for its G smartphone lineup at patent offices both in S. Korea and the United States, hinting at a possible launch of metal-framed handsets. The Korean company filed to register the trademarks "G Flex Frame," "G Frame" and "F Frame" with the Korean Intellectual Property Office and the U.S.

LG had launched the G Flex last year that boasted a curved display.

The "frame" feature could imply handsets with a metal-designed edge, similar to Samsung's Galaxy S5 Alpha smartphone.