Lindows Changes Name to 'Linspire'

Robert Nicholson writes "As previously covered, Lindows has decided to change its name thanks to Microsoft legal threats. Well it has just announced the new name - Linspire - clever, huh? There's a site at Linspire.com. The full story and the history behind it all are covered on Techworld."

Hasn't this been done before?

[Stonent1]

Shoddily made computers sold with a crippled version of an OS? Acer did it in the 90's they called it "Aspire". LAWSUIT AGAIN!

I'd have much preferred

[Rosco P. Coltrane]

Linspire is non-consentual and "Microsoft-safe", and I can understand they want to avoid going through that again with the Redmond monster. But I'd have much preferred if they have renamed themselves "Lindoze" or "liNT" or "eXPect-more" or something like that, to piss them off...

Oh well, bland name but still a cool company. I'm just glad they escaped their (first) legal stint with Microsoft more or less unscathed..

The lindows announcement.

[asterism]

Here is the blurb on their own site:

http://info.lindows.com/linspire/Linspirelanding .h tml

Re:Discussion summary

[tepples]

Ventanas.

Finestre.

Fenêtres.

Fenster.

Re:PR and Cybersquatting

[Nephilium]

Really... so Robertson registered mp3.com... everything I've seen says that he purchased it... Robertson and MP3 [acusd.edu] Nephilium

Word marks

[tepples]

The script has nothing to do with the trademark.

Oh really? There are word marks and there are drawings. "Coca-Cola" is a word mark. "Coca-Cola" written in a distinctive script is a drawing, and the distinctive script is part of the mark. "Crack-a-Cola" not written in the script would possibly infringe Coke's rights in the word mark but not at all on the drawing. And given that "cola" has become generic (I see it on Pepsi, RC, and store-bought soft drinks with similar flavors), are you so sure that Coke would have a case on the "Crack-a" part?

Re:Word marks

[schemanista]

And given that "cola" has become generic

Cola is a type of nut, high in methylxanthine alkaloids (also found in coffee, some teas, cocoa, etc.). It was native to West Africa but has been transplanted to South and Central America, among other places.

You use the word "cola" with its commonly understood meaning: "a drink made with cola extract."

Trademarking "cola" is possible in these End Times[TM], but hasn't been done yet. So, yes, "cola" is a generic in the same way that "soda pop" or "drink" is.

While "Crack Cola" would probably be safe, "Crack-a-Cola" would get you a Cease and Desist order since it's well over the infringement line. The same standard which slapped down "Lindows" would apply in this situation.

Re:Little guys can't fight a giant...

[rjelks]

I hate to play devil's advocate here...and "devil's advocate" is extra appropriate in this case. :) From what I've read about trademark disputes, it seems like Microsoft's hand was a little forced. If a company fails to protect its trademark, it sets a precedence that makes it harder and harder to protect in it the future. It's hard to guess the mindset in the company, but protecting the trademark from future conflicts doesn't have to be due to heavy-handed mindsets.

Lindows in bed with SCO?

[Doug Neal]

Had a look at their website and clicked on "SCO information [linspire.com]" to see what their position on the whole SCO thing was. Suprisingly it looks like they've been "in talks" with SCO and even drawn up a contract. Are they paying SCO licenses? Come on Robertson, I know you're trying to do what's best for your business and all that, but SCO? Not cool.