MS Asking Makers of 'Windows' Software To Rename 572
An anonymous reader writes "Today WebWereld is running a story (http://www.webwereld.nl/nieuws/13347.phtml) on Microsoft's attempts to stop other software makers from using 'Windows' in their names. Several software makers that are listed on the Lindows-list (http://www.lindows.com/lindows_home_list.php) have received a letter from Microsoft's lawyers. Basically Microsoft asks them to stop using the word 'Windows.' Windows Commander and Windows Spy have changed name as the result. Christian Ghisler (of Windows Commander) changed the name into Total Commander and Sureshot changed the name of Windows Spy into Farsighter.
Alexander Tchirkov of Windows Backup Wizard also received a letter from Microsoft, but he is not willing to change the name of his software, he tells WebWereld. 'I received a letter from attorneys Microsoft (SEED Intellectual Property Law Group) with the recommendation to change the program name into Backup Wizard for Windows(R).' Tchirkov says Windows is not a registered trademark in Russia."
How about XWindows? (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:How about XWindows? (Score:4, Informative)
Re:How about XWindows? (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:How about XWindows? (Score:5, Interesting)
Windows Backup on teh other hand sounds like the MS approved backup solution for Windows. Same goes for other products; note that they don't say to remove Windows, just to make it not sound like it is a part of Windows (hence Windows Backup becomes Backup for Windows)
Re:How about XWindows? (Score:4, Funny)
Well they say "hey look, there's a newsgroup called comp.windows.x - maybe someone can tell me how to use Outlook Express."
"Microsoft Windows" (Score:3, Insightful)
Oh, they'll probably make some stupid case about how the thing is close enough to cause confusion, but I have a hard time seeing a judge buying it.
Re:"Microsoft Windows" (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:"Microsoft Windows" (Score:3, Funny)
If the judge doesn't buy it, M$ will buy the judge.
Re:How about XWindows? (Score:4, Informative)
Re:How about XWindows? (Score:5, Informative)
Re:How about XWindows? (Score:5, Informative)
According to the Jargon File [tuxedo.org], it was so named because it was the successor of an earlier window system called "W".
Re:How about XWindows? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:How about XWindows? (Score:5, Informative)
"W" was chosen because it was the next letter after "V".
No kidding. "V" was the name of a research distributed operating system at Stanford at the time (mid-80s). Paul Asente thought he could improve upon its window system, so he called his new system "W". MIT later used this as the model for "X".
Re:How about XWindows? (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:How about XWindows? (Score:3, Interesting)
The principal investigator of that project (David Cheriton) named the system "V" at least in part because an earlier system of his was named "Verex". (I think that name came about because the system had some vague association with program verification.)
So the full etymology is:
Verex -> V -> W -> X (Window System)
New Infidel of Ye Olde naming convention. (Score:3, Funny)
In the beginning there was 'B', then came from it 'C'. Followed by C++, which is technically 'D'(stemming from the ++ operator).
Unfortunately an infidel has broken the 'ye olde code of law' and mistified everyone with C#. How does C# follow? Is it from C? or is it from C++?
Rather, the infidel has created a bastard language after sipping some java!
Re:How about XWindows? (Score:5, Funny)
Don't we have it already? Everytime I see a Windows PC I ask myself "Y Windows?"
Re:How about XWindows? (Score:4, Informative)
It does not stand for anything. X comes after W which is what X's predecessor windowing system was called. The W window system was developed at Stanford. I do not know what W stood for if anything. It probably stood for window or windows.
Re:How about XWindows? (Score:3, Insightful)
And what of it? When did Microsoft trademark Windows as a term by itself? Is this the extent of the trademark, or is it only when used in reference to software (any software?) or operating system? What do I call these things that pop up on my screen when I doubleclick on icon, if not windows?? I seriously hope they go to court and lose - then they will have to think up better named for their product like Intel did when it found out trademarking a number wasn't such a good idea.
Re:How about XWindows? (Score:4, Informative)
"The X Consortium requests that the following names be used when referring to this software:
- X
- X Window System
- X Version 11
- X Window System, Version 11
- X11
X Window System is a trademark of X Consortium, Inc."They seem pretty clear on the legal issues.
Re:How about XWindows? (Score:5, Funny)
I think the article [webwereld.nl] plainly answered this question when they said:
"Microsoft heeft diverse makers van software met in de naam 'Windows' gevraagd om een andere naam te kiezen."
---
Abortions for some, minature American flags for others! - Kodos
Re:How about XWindows? (Score:3, Interesting)
The future (Score:5, Funny)
Re:The future (Score:2)
Continuing an old battle (Score:5, Insightful)
Or is it that they're scared enough of Free Software that they're mounting an attack on XWindows?
Re:Continuing an old battle (Score:5, Informative)
More references to this at Lindows [lindows.com].
Of course, unless it's GPL, don't buy it. :-)
In other news.. (Score:3, Funny)
ACK (Score:3, Funny)
(funny...the 2 big 'no' words when talking about windows or Windows are 'break' and 'crash'...and they both apply)
OMG! (Score:2, Funny)
Application of the Golden Rule (tm) (Score:5, Funny)
Why dont we just call it ALL windows... (Score:5, Funny)
Joel "Windows" West
MS wasn't *that* stupid (Score:5, Insightful)
The problem is that then Lindows came out. Now, "Lindows" isn't just a windowing system -- it's an operating system, rather similar to what MS is selling. Furthermore, Wal-Mart sells these damn little boxes to people who have little computer experience and say that they have "Lindows" and are "Windows compatible". There's a pretty good case for confusion there if you have an inexperienced buyer. I don't have a lot of sympathy for the Lindows people -- I think it's fair to claim that they were trying to take advantage of confusion.
So MS sues them. Probably the only justified legal move MS has made in the last decade. The judge not *only* denies the injunction, but states that "Windows" is/has become a generic term. So now Microsoft is panicking and trying to do damage control to regain control of their product name. They go after everyone using Windows to try to build up a stronger case for future trademark infringement suits. There's nothing MS would hate more than ten companies out of China selling WINE+Linux+GNOME systems called "Super Windows".
Frankly, this whole thing wouldn't have happened if the Lindows people hadn't pulled their attempt to grab a little MS market share...
Re:MS wasn't *that* stupid (Score:3, Informative)
Saying that something is {some trademark} compatible isn't a problem. You can sell a Ford compatible wheel without Ford's permission. It is only if you try to claim or imply that you have Ford's approval or are in some way connected with the company that you could run into legal difficulties.
Re:MS wasn't *that* stupid (Score:3, Insightful)
MS made a mistake when they sued Lindows. If they'd have just ignored them they would be in a much better position.
It's Microsoft's fault... (Score:5, Insightful)
To be perfectly honest... (Score:3, Insightful)
point of trademarks and how this sucks. (Score:4, Insightful)
This move on M$'s part will dilute the trade marks of all the other companies involved and confuse each and every one of us. Take the "Windows Commander" example. Christian worked for years building up a name and reputation. Can you tell me what he's changing his name to without scrolling up the page? Christian just got ripped off and his new program is indistiguishable from many other utilities that do the same thing.
Nothing new really. Do business with or have anything to do with M$ and you will be burnt.
Getting out of hand (Score:5, Interesting)
Okay, that was a bit troll-ish, but really... Windows? It's a very common word, Microsoft. I remember when WIndows first appeared and I saw the name/logo. I thought, Yeah, that's about right. Such glaring uncreativity from the business app company. Windows. Uh huh.
Then it got scarier. Word. Office. Money. Microsoft's penchance for naming software after everyday items seems to have the subtext of usurping those items. Who hasn't had this conversation in a modern workplace?
"My office is really messed up, I've got to fix it."
"Your Office or office?"
"Huh?"
"MS Office or your real office?"
Totally asinine.
Did anything ever happen with the Lindows challenge to this practice?
Re:Getting out of hand (Score:5, Funny)
This story is stupid on so many levels, but I can't think of an adequate [censored] to describe it
Re:Getting out of hand (Score:5, Funny)
Dear Microsoft.
Your product names are too ambiguios. Please change them now.
Signed,
Some angry slashdot reader.
That's what our emails look like to Microsoft. They could care less. At least on Slashdot we get karma points.
Re:Getting out of hand (Score:3, Interesting)
According to the FAQ [kde.org] (and most people you'd ask today), KDE stands for "K Desktop Environment". However, the original Usenet post [google.com] announcing the formation of the project refers to it as the "Kool Desktop Environment". A Google Groups search [google.com] confirms this.
Atlanta Olympics Anecdote (Score:5, Interesting)
Company names too (Score:3, Funny)
The outcome of that case actually resulted in a proposal to Merriam-Webster to introduce a new alternative spelling of 'window' to 'whindow'. The M-W took up the offer as they like to change any words possible from British English for superiority reasons.. so now if you look it up, you'll see 'whindow' listed there.
"Boost your Windows reliability!!!" (Score:3, Funny)
Watch out folks (Score:5, Funny)
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
Bogus? (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Bogus? (Score:4, Interesting)
If trying to prove #1 is their idea, I hope the Judge realizes what a BS move this is, and that it's too late for them to do this.
Re:Bogus? (Score:3, Insightful)
Microsoft (in Godfather-like tone): We noticed you're using "windows" in the name of your business. Your business is very important to you. I'm a businessman, so I understand these things. I also know that there are many ... uncertainties ... in running a business. I like you. I don't want to see anything happen to you. And it would be very ... unfortunate ... if something were to happen to you or your business because you continued using "windows" in the name.
They may have a case... (Score:2)
A little too late (Score:4, Informative)
Yes, Windows is a common term (Score:4, Insightful)
As for whether or not Windows is a registered trademark in Russia or not, I have to say I'd be very, very surprised if it is not. And if it isn't , then someone in Russia ought to go and register that trademark NOW. In fact, it makes me wonder why the Russian programmer in question wouldn't register the trademark if only to protect HIS mark.
Re:Yes, Windows is a common term (Score:3, Informative)
It's not even a trademark in the US.
Re:Yes, Windows is a common term (Score:5, Informative)
Really? You're sure about that, are you?
Word Mark WINDOWS
Goods and Services IC 009. US 038. G & S: computer programs and manuals sold as a unit; namely, graphical operating environment programs for microcomputers. FIRST USE: 19831018. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19831018
Mark Drawing Code (1) TYPED DRAWING
Serial Number 74090419
Filing Date August 20, 1990
Published for Opposition June 21, 1994
Registration Number 1872264
Registration Date January 10, 1995
Owner (REGISTRANT) Microsoft Corporation CORPORATION DELAWARE One Microsoft Way Redmond WASHINGTON 980526399
Assignment Recorded ASSIGNMENT RECORDED
Attorney of Record Richard W. Seed
Type of Mark TRADEMARK
Register PRINCIPAL-2(F)
Affidavit Text SECT 8 (6-YR).
Live/Dead Indicator LIVE
Re:Yes, Windows is a common term (Score:3, Insightful)
1. Not in use prior to the origination of trademarks as a general term. (ie: "Windows" is a general term, "Microsoft Windows" is not. Microsoft's big problem is that they trademarked just "Windows". (If I remember correctly.) Therein lies the rub.) This is where the "Olympics" problem also occurs. Since the Greeks coined the phrase "Olympics" over 2,000 years ago - no one can claim to own the word "Olympics" and would be laughed out of court for trying to claim it. (However, again - you first have to go to court and be willing to fight for it in order to have it thrown out. And that is the catch. If you aren't willing to stand up to a bunch of bullies - then you get what you deserve. And that is why things are the way they are.)
2. Trademarks can be made to cover entire areas or everything dependent upon how the wording is done on the application. (See Apple Computer Inc.'s [slashdot.org] having to deal with the company who created the Macintosh Stereo Systems. Or look at the Beatles trademarking the "Apple" logo [216.239.53.100] for their records. [Notice also that the Beatles' Apple logo [unr.edu] isn't just the word but is also a pictograph. So that has to be taken into consideration as well.)
3. Trademarks have to be defended or they return to the general public. This is why you see so many threats of lawsuits. McDonald's is very aggressive in their pursuit of anyone who might have a name even remotely sounding [pangaea.net] like theirs.
4. Trademarks also can not become general terms. This is called "dilution of a trademark." This is also why people can no longer refer to making a copy of something on a copying machine as "Xerox'ing something [tmcenter.com]" or "making a Xerox". Why colas sold in restaurants have to be distinguished by trademark name and not just as "cokes [cybercounsel.com]", and why you use a tissue and not a "kleenex [slashdot.org]". All of these companies had to fight to keep their trademarks from becoming so diluted in normal speech that they no longer were considered trademarks.
(Offtopic: I have a new idea for submitting stuff to SlashDot - integrated spell checker! Put it next to "Submit" and "Preview". I know I could have used one writing this up.
What about ' works with windows' (Score:2)
Sure they have to defend a trademark or loose it, but this is a bit silly.
What about Windex? (Score:2, Funny)
I mean it is a windows product
Not windex [windexglasscleaner.com], windex [erols.com]!
Grow up? (Score:3, Insightful)
Moderators: Mod me down all you like, but perhaps a better use of your time would be to reply with constructive criticism.
Re:Grow up? (Score:3, Insightful)
Slashdot is not a democratic system, you cannot vote which stories will get posted. It is a system run by the editors and they have full license to place whatever they want on the front page. Now, I understand you don't like Microsoft stories obviously, but some people do, and if you crawl out of your hole and look around you may notice these other people, and then realize why the slashdot editors post these stories.
If you want something else, go somewhere else, or block it using your front page settings for Slashdot, but don't waste posting space and time just to complain that someone isn't putting the stories you want all the time.
Right now, I think the grow up you put in your subject line is appropriate for you. Grow up! and realize that the world is not always how you want it. A part of slashdot and something that the editors like is the the "whole reporting-on-M$'s-every-move thing" If you don't like it, then block it, read other sites, or just ignore it. Hell, e-mail the editors, their e-mails are at the tops of the page. But complaining about it in the postings for that story is off-topic, annoying, and pointless.
*sigh*
I am sorry if I sound harsh, I am just tired of reading these postings over and over again.
The horse has bolted (Score:2)
Then they came to not bother, everyone knew about M$ Windows.
Now they are trying to grab control of a generic word so that they can get at 'Lindows'. Sorry: precedence has been set for such a long time.
The above is the rational view. To know what the legal view is, first find a dice
Make your own name (Score:5, Insightful)
If your product does something useful, people will associate any name you choose with the functionality of your product. Just because your product runs on Windows or is written in Java, you should not feel that you should include the word in the title. Just because your software is an FTP client, you don't have to name it JoeFTP.
Naming your product similarly to another project piggy backs on their efforts. I would rather have my stuff stand on its own merits. Naming after functionality, platform, or language can later be limiting if you ever want to expand your functionality or port it to other platforms.
Re:Make your own name (Score:5, Funny)
Tune in tonight for... (Score:3, Funny)
Posted by Hemos [everything2.com] on Friday, November 29, @7:32PM
from the 500-pound-gorilla-named-Steve dept.
Clevername [mailto] writes "It's not like we didn't see it coming. Micro$oft has apparently decided once again that all our Windows are belong to them. This time they're attempting to stop the use of the word Windows [webwereld.nl] in all software packages but their own. This has affected such software packages as Total Commander (nee Windows Commander) and Farsighter (nee Windows Spy). When will the madness end? Another reader pointed us to this list of potential targets [lindows.com]. Will I have to start getting Microsoft's prmission to rennovate my house?
( Read More... [slashdot.org] | 4 [slashdot.org] of 330 [slashdot.org] comments | Your Rights Online [slashdot.org]
Translation (Score:4, Informative)
Friday, November 29, 2002 - Microsoft has asked manufacturers of software with the name 'Windows' to choose a different name.
by Maarten Reijnders
This appears after a quick tour along the manufacturers of software listed on the lindows.com site. The makers of 'Windows Spy' and 'Windows Backup Wizard' received a letter from Microsoft's lawyers, as they confirmed to WebWereld.
Earlier, the maker of 'Windows Commander' had changed the name of its program into 'Total Commander'. He did so after having received a letter from Microsoft's lawyers.
The Russian maker of 'Windows Backup Wizard' decided not to conform to the request he received from Microsoft in July. Alexander Tchirkov of Windows Backup Wizard: "I received a letter of Microsoft's lawyers with the recommendation to change the name of my program into 'Backup Wizard for Windows(R)'."
"I am not planning to change the name of my program. But Christian Ghisler (maker of Windows Commander, MR) had already been forced to change the name of his software, so anything is possible", says Tchirkov who points out that Windows isn't a registered trademark in Russia.
Software manufacturer Sureshot, however, did decide to change the name of the program 'Windows Spy' into 'Farsighter'. "Microsoft appears to possess the term 'Windows'", Jon, of Sureshot, sighs.
Windows Commander, Windows Backup Wizard, and Windows Spy are mentioned on a list composed by the manufacturers of the Linux-based operating system Lindows. The company plans to use this list in a juridical procedure that Microsoft has started against Lindows.
Microsoft believes that 'Lindows' is too similar to 'Windows' and demands therefore that Lindows stops using that name. In March, the judge ruled that Lindows is allowed to use the name until the final decision of the court.
Since the list at Lindows.com was published, it appears that not only the names of Windows Commander and Windows Spy have been changed, but also the ones of Windows Network Booster and Windows Personalizer 2000. At least, the programs are no longer available at their original name at Download.com
Famous last words (Score:4, Funny)
"Tchirkov says Windows is not a registered trademark in Russia."
Heh.. I hope he doesn't plan to ever come to the US :)
Windows ownership argued in Apple Lawsuit (Score:5, Informative)
Besides lots of thigs run on windows besides software. Windex runs on windows, bird shit runs on windows.
Re:Windows ownership argued in Apple Lawsuit (Score:3, Interesting)
What's the fuss? (Score:4, Interesting)
First off, this isn't a generic use of the word "Windows" and saying so is really stupid. Similarly, I surely hope I wouldn't be able to call my new product "Sun Network Management Administrator" (even though sun is a dictionary word). I would expect to be able to sell "Sun Dishwasher Liquid" (although that would be a poor name for a network management system) or to make a movie called "Solaris".
They may not be able to win, as (as other's have pointed out) I don't know that they have a trademark on the word "Windows". Either way, in the "spirit of the law", this is a reasonable request. The suggested alternate name is a perfectly reasonable compromise (it's clearer, too), and I'd suggest that they don't want to switch to it specifically because they want to continue getting goodwill off of their current name and/or get free press.
And don't bother telling me MS is evil - in this case that would be a real strong signal of a dull, well-rutted mind.
Re:What's the fuss? (Score:3, Interesting)
I use interesting Greek words to name one branch of my Labrador bloodline, hence I hung one with "Longplain Telesis". It took about 6 extra months to process, probably because it tripped a trademark flag and had to be researched.
Re:What's the fuss? (Score:3, Insightful)
They don't have a problem with:
Backup Wizard for Windows(R)
But they do have a problem with:
Windows Backup Wizard.
And, parent already stated the reasons why. The second is misleading, and connotes some sort of MSFT sanction. The first plainly denotes a 3rd party product designed for Windows.
I might just write a military strategy game and call it "The Linux Colonel".
Re:What's the fuss? (Score:5, Insightful)
its part of the kernel?
And your Sun comparison is way off. The direct analogy would be
Solaris modifier
Or, it would have been analagous if the M$ targets were calling their software
Microsoft modifier
In other words, to refute your first sentence, absolutely nobody
I know would think that "Windows Backup", presented in
an appropriate manner, was produced or sanctioned by M$
Said another way, don't you think the intention of the targets
is a relevant question in this case? - are they trying to give
the impression of being a Microsoft product?
Re:What's the fuss? (Score:3, Insightful)
There would be a difference: Sun stands for Stanford University Network and is the name of the company. Thus calling it Sun Network Management Adminstrator would be using another company's name.
They aren't calling it Microsoft or MS but a generic word: Windows. Calling it Solaris blablabla would be OK. Calling it Sun Solaris blablabla again would be confusing.
Just run winver and you'll see it's Microsoft (R) Windows. Every application I've seen says Microsoft blablabla.
MS just doesn't have a case
Re:What's the fuss? (Score:3, Insightful)
What are you talking about? They use it all the time! "Windows Update," "Windows Catalog," "Windows Media Player," "Windows Messenger," "Windows Movie Maker," and "Windows Explorer" are all sitting in the Start menu of my XP box.
Having said that, I think these third-party software makers should tell Microsoft to go fsck themselves. Microsoft chose their product names with the specific intent of co-opting the generic terms-- they reaped the benefit of that almost from the day they started doing it, and now they're going to cry about it when the pendulum swings the other way? Forget it! I know that all the targets will knuckle under because they can't afford the lawyers to fight this bullying, but if this ever made it into a courtroom, I think the little guys would prevail.
~Philly
What's the big deal? (Score:3, Insightful)
I don't understand why these smaller companies don't just stand up to Microsoft and take them to court. I mean, I think the Department of Justice and various states demonstrated pretty clearly that all you need to go up against Microsoft is millions of dollars and a small army of lawyers. If you don't believe me, or squeak something about DOJ not really being successful, consider "little guy" Sun Microsystems, who sued over Java.
More seriously, this is getting ridiculous. I can understand Microsoft wanted to protect its branding -- names like Lindows are meant to draw people away from MS Windows -- but they're just bullies.
You know, a real solution would be for someone to come up with a new metaphor, or paradigm.
But I'll never cave to this intimidation! See, I've bared a Window® into my soul. This is our Window® of opportunity to take a stand against this Window® dressing. It's our Window®
Damn, it's getting stuffy in here, excuse me while I go open the f*cking Window®.
I have the answer... (Score:5, Funny)
"Dear ___,
Please cease and desist the use of the phrase "security hole" as this is a registered trademark of the Microsoft corporation. As is well known throught the international community, we make the biggest and best security holes, and wouldn't want people to confuse your small, easily fixable holes with our more presigious, gaping security holes (heretofore refered to as "new features" and/or "Outlook") in all of our software products.
Thank you for your time.
How can this work? (Score:4, Insightful)
So, company B obliges....
What the fuck? Why? If X is something as generic as Windows and is not trademarked, I can use it for whatever the hell I like.
Does this mean we may not use Office, Money, Exchange etc. etc. in naming our porducts? I have an incredible itch to challenge this.
Comes with the territory (Score:4, Interesting)
This is offset by the initial benefit you get when you chose it. Choose a generic non descript name and your effort to make it stick in peoples mind is MUCH harder than using a descriptive name.
Take the story we had the other day about eVISA. The Credit card organization chose VISA precisely because it was a well known word with a meaning that dovetailed with their positioning idea. IE Something that allows you to go some place with no problem. They got the benefit now live with the drawback.
Now Windows. What the F.... It was chosen because it described exactly what the program was trying to do with a metaphor that everyone understood. They reaped the benefit now they should live with the drawback, or change themselves.
Good initial names that turns on the corporation is common. Take Kentucky Fried Chicken. They now spend millions to get rid of the Fried connotation as they repositions themselves as KFC. Does that mean that using the initial name was foolish? No, They wouldn't have got to where they are without the initial descriptive name.
Same can be argued for Microsoft's Windows,
Sorry, trademark on "Windows" invalid (Score:4, Insightful)
Thus, no one should heed MS's demands to change their name. The Lindows case already proved the "windows" trademark was void.
How to say "Windows" (Score:3, Funny)
This Sucks! (Score:5, Funny)
I was told to stop using the term Windows(tm) in conjunction with my home improvement project. I was informed that now I have to call the items openings especially in the wall of a building for admission of light and air that is usually closed by casements or sashes containing transparent material (as glass) and capable of being opened and shut [m-w.com].
This has put a real crimp in my dealings with my contractor. They think I'm crazy for using such a long phrase when a common word would suffice.
Is that insane, or what?
National Fenestration Council (Score:5, Funny)
And Defenestration (Score:3, Funny)
And defenestration [reference.com] is the act of throwing someone or something out of a window. Usually because I've been thrown out of Windows by a BSOD.
This just in … (Score:5, Funny)
The RIAA rushed to the artists' defense and had this to say: "Bug off".
A court battle of unprecedented magnitude and length is expected to follow as the two Titans square off.
Elsewhere in the news ...
- a worldwide shortage of lawyers is forecast for the next 5 years for obvious reasons
- Webster's dictionary is bracing itself for a legal battle with Microsoft for including some definitions of the word "Windows" other than "An inexpensive and secure computer operating system from the philanthropic people at Microsoft (All praise Microsoft!) that should by law be the only operating system allowed on any computer".
- Home Depot has been requested by Microsoft stop advertising "We Sell Windows" and are evaluating a suggestion from Microsoft that they instead advertise "Well Sell Transparent or Semi-Transparent Glass Coverings for Holes Often Found In The Sides of Buildings and Other Structures That Usually Allow The Passage Of Some Degree Of Light"
bluff (Score:3, Informative)
If the companies back down Microsoft wins. If they go to court Microsoft will eventually fold - but only after it costs the other company a lot of money. Most companies fold because they can't afford the monetary hit; even though Microsoft hasn't got a legal leg to stand on, and has lost in court every time they have tried to enforce a trademark on the word "windows".
Guess what? Not everything in life is fair. Microsoft's behavior - if you don't recognize it - is exactly that of a school yard bully. They figure they can get away with it, and so far no court has been willing to give them a bloody enough nose to get them to stop.
BS You can use Windows FREELY (Score:3, Informative)
This is a HUGE win. I wonder if Microsoft will keep pursuing this to higher courts to be told that their trademark is still generic? That's a big risk, and they may or may not.
However, they are showing they are Enforcing their trademark, which is a good way to demonstrate that they care about the trademark. Still, they might fall to something else..
WHY????? Here's the scoop: If a court declares a trademark to be generic, then it is closer to its death.
It is very simple. Trademarks like ROLLERBLADE could go to genocide when people keep saying "I'm gonna go rollerblading." That's why ROLLERBLADE has been putting ads to remind consumers these are ROLLERBLADE BRAND In-Line Skates.
when people refer to those types of products by the trademark name
then it stands to become generic. I suspect the way it happens is through courts.... That's why I suspect Microsoft might not pursue the generic argument in higher courts
So, the term Windows is now generic. YOU CAN USE IT FREELY. Microsoft used the term Windows, which is like generic already especially in windowed operating systems. However, its biggest death is that Microsoft did not use the term "Windows Operating System."
A LOT of people talk about Windows when they should be saying "Operating System(s)". Hence, Windows IS generic like the court says. THATS Why the court said it's generic, not because Windows are real glass things in real life...
Re:BS You can use Windows FREELY (Score:4, Informative)
RIDICULOUS! (Score:3, Informative)
I hope MS doesnt *win* the fight. oops i guess i'll be exepcting a letter from them.
I just saw a TV commercial with Dick Van Patton (Score:3, Funny)
FYI, Microsoft's "Windows" trademark listings (Score:4, Informative)
Just from a cursory look at these, it would appear that the only way you could use "windows" in reference to a computer or electronic device without fear of a cease and desist letter from Microsoft would be to say, "If there weren't windows in my computer room, I would never see daylight."
Listing 1 [uspto.gov], Listing 2 [uspto.gov]
Listing 3 [uspto.gov], Listing 4 [uspto.gov]
Listing 5 [uspto.gov], Listing 6 [uspto.gov]
Listing 7 [uspto.gov], Listing 8 [uspto.gov]
Listing 9 [uspto.gov], Listing 10 [uspto.gov]
Listing 11 [uspto.gov], Listing 12 [uspto.gov]
Listing 13 [uspto.gov]
~Philly
Microsoft has the full rights to do this... (Score:3, Insightful)
Sure, windows is a common word, but Microsoft isn't sueing the glass making companies.
If you owned a company - Bobsoft and made an O/S -called BobOS - which you thought was really good, would you a)protect the name from people working off your achievment or b)Give everyone free reign over the name? You wouldn't sue all people who had the name Bob, but you wouls sue people using the name in their software to make it look like your brilliant company made it.
All in all, one heck of a legal minefield...
Ha ha! Delicious schadenfreude! (Score:4, Funny)
These people supported that proprietary platform and tied their fates to it and -- gosh, who would expect it? -- suddenly their, ahem, "partner" is trying to ram a pitchfork up their asses! Oh yes, bite the pain! [ifpan.edu.pl].
Several years ago, Microsoft changed the license on their NT Workstation product so that it was only allowed to have a certain number of connections. Tim O'Reilly wrote a frustrated "open letter" whining about it, [intranetjournal.com] and it was funny the same way this story is. All that hard work that other companies put into legitimizing Microsoft's products, only to be stabbed in the back ... what a shame (*snicker*). Unfortunately, Microsoft caved in back then. I hope that by now they are arrogant enough to fight to the bitter end.
Few things give me as much pleasure as seeing Windows developers getting screwed by Microsoft. Oh, the crushed dreams, the shattered hopes and businesses, the shocked expression of pain and betrayal, ooh, is it getting warm in here?
Straight from MS website! Did AMD receive a letter (Score:3, Informative)
Do Not Say:
[Your Product Name] Windows xp
[Your Product Name] XP
Windows XP [Your Product Name]
hmm.....now I can't legally say that I have an Athlon XP(R) CPU...nice
Re:perhaps I should change the name of the clear (Score:5, Funny)
Mod Parent up (Score:2)
How to fight this (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:Non-Computer Companies (Score:2)
Although my Windows problems were not solved, my monitor had a fresh, clean, smell!
Re:In Soviet Russia... (Score:2, Funny)
Re:trademark (Score:3, Funny)
"Can I look in your trunk?" No. ...?" No.
"Can I have your social security number to verify
(buying something...) "Can I have your address?" No.
"Hi little boy, want to go for a ride?" No.
"Hi, I need your PIN to verify your identity." No.
and....
"Can you remove Windows from your product name?" Fuck NO!
They should have classes in elementary school where all they do is get asked questions for the entire class and the kids answer no to everthing.
Re:trademark (Score:3, Funny)
have you done your homework?
did you hit that boy?
What Next? "Word"?... (Score:4, Funny)