Minimalist?

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Peter is correct. Technically it is a tartan. A tartan only requires two colors. This is just an example of a very, very simple tartan.

I see Peter's point about this pattern likely existing somewhere as a fashion check. Although to play devil's advocate, one might argue "so what?" Has anyone who has woven it as a fashion check bothered to register it as a tartan? Or a trademarked design? Are they using it with any symbolism associated with tartan (not necessarily as a family pattern but perhaps as an estate tweed, a corporate check, something of that nature)?

If the answers to the above are "no," then I can see an argument being made for this person being allowed to register the design. However, I doubt any sort of restrictions or exclusivity could be enforced for such a simple pattern which, in all likelihood, has been woven numerous times, by numerous weavers in the past.