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Apple Legal vs iPod Domains
- Thread starter MacBytes
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They're protecting the name "iPod" from loosing its trademark status by becoming a common household name.
If they make no attempt to protect it, they may eventually be sued for free-use of the word "iPod" by competitors.
Examples are the Zipper, the Frigidaire (french)... can't think of anymore.
If they make no attempt to protect it, they may eventually be sued for free-use of the word "iPod" by competitors.
Examples are the Zipper, the Frigidaire (french)... can't think of anymore.
Chappers said:
Its trademark that has to be protected, not copyright (you don't have to do anything for that, you don't even have to file for a copyright, its yours automatically when you create an artistic work, and also, copyrights have a limit on how long you can hold them, trademarks don't). But the point is valid. Apple has to show it vigorously defends its trademark, or else someone in the future could use it and if apple said anything, they could get the trademark declared as invalid. Unlikely as that sounds, apple is probably doing nothing mroe than fulfilling that responsibility.
dermeister said:
Rollerblades, Kleenex, lazyboy, scotch tape, band-aid, windex, jell-o, xerox, photoshop
dermeister said:
I was just thinking the same thing. With the whole creative/microsoft pantent b.s. lately - perhaps Apple is atempting to keep other companies from suing Apple for changing their product name (iPod mini-nano)- claiming that it will hurt their business.
But I have to say that this seems really harsh on Apple's part. If they don't have a good reason for doing it (and they just want to swing weight around), then this is really stupid.
LaMerVipere said:
Nope. It seems pretty spot on for Apple's BS behavior as of late. Note that this behavior was the initial point before Palm's slide from grace. They pissed off a TON of loyal users and Palm fan websites because of this behavior.
shawnce said:
Yah right. If you think this isn't going to hit mainstream news sites when user's put up a stink about it you are WAY off. Whenever a large company goes after the little guy or a fan site it will get picked up.
bloogersnigen said:
Yes, but if they don't do anything to protect the name iPod, maybe Microsoft can make an MS iPod, and when Apple tries to sue, MS can just say, "Look around, buddy. Everything has the word iPod in it, and you did NOTHING! Now we name something after an iPod, and now you start suing?"
m-dogg said:
I read the other posts on why Apple may be doing this (defend their trademark,, ) but... wouldn't it be a good thing if ipod maintained it's status as a household name? And it seems like websites and accessories marketed to the "ipod" product line only help generate interest. What am I missing here ? Could other trademarks owned by Apple be threatened if they did not defend this one?
Perhaps Apple has been hanging out with the music industry too long. Pretty soon we'll have to make a payment every time we use the word ipod....
EDIT- Just read the post above me, a MS ipod would be scary...
totally idiotic move.
if they fear future unlikely "MSiPod" product they could still licence the name to all the dedicated web sites and such for free
if they fear future unlikely "MSiPod" product they could still licence the name to all the dedicated web sites and such for free
solvs said:
Actually, it probably is just like it's trademwrk infringement.
There is a situation in U.S. trademark law where if a trademark owner does n't protect its trademarks...allows them to be used in anyway, they can basically lose the right to defend them. That's why Apple is doing this.
dermeister said:
and:
jacuzzi, duck tape, zip-lock, frisbee, Q-tip, tampax, clorox, velcro, k-way, polaroid, vaseline, tupperware, sharpie, chapstick, aspirin, saran wrap, pyrex
anymore?
Nope, you unfortunately aren't the only one.whooleytoo said:
As others have alluded to, I advise everyone crying "why would they do this?" to take a few minutes and look up the concept of a "genericized trademark". You may find it enlightening.
~J
Edit: hey mods, can we please get a courtesy PM if you edit our posts such that their meaning is completely altered? I understand why you did it, but a heads-up would have been nice.
Kagetenshi said:
Just because they can legally do it, doesn't make it the right thing to do. It makes Apple look like a bunch of jerks.
I don't think you're quite right. "MAC" is ok. "APPLE" is not. I do agree with the assumption that 3rd party biz is great for Apple. It's all helping to create this COMMUNITY that is fun to be in. Obviously, if people are buying 3rd party stuff, they ALREADY have the ipod so it really doesn't necessarily translate into money for Apple. But, they should leave them be just for the sake of goodwill and the ipod community.dogcowx said:
This ones tricky... Apple's marketing has been so good that the word "iPod" has infiltrated into pop culture. I don't agree that a company should use a protected trademark in their name. I just hope Apple doesn't alienate itself from the accessory makers.
What do people think of the name iRiver?... I hate it.
What do people think of the name iRiver?... I hate it.
"Can" is the wrong term. Try "legally obligated to if they want to keep their trademark non-generic".latergator116 said:
I agree that it does make them look like a bunch of jerks, and that saddens me. Nonetheless, the fact remains that when they do it, regardless of what it may look like, they are not being a bunch of jerks.
~J
Don't panic said:and:
jacuzzi, duck tape, zip-lock, frisbee, Q-tip, tampax, clorox, velcro, k-way, polaroid, vaseline, tupperware, sharpie, chapstick, aspirin, saran wrap, pyrex
anymore?
Thermos
wPod said:
Let us know if you get a notice from Apple Legal demanding that you change your user name.
A bit extreme, yes. How about in other industries? Anyone know? What about other iconic products?
Walkman
Jeep
Kleenex
Coke/Pepsi
Tylenol
Just curious.
-Squire
<edit> About a dozen others beat me to it. Thanks, though. I'll put some of this stuff in my classes.