iLounge

21

Could the case not be that it is the use of the word “pod” in connection with iPod related products be they software or hardware or companies selling iPod accessories?
I doubt Apple would try to stop the use of “pod” in relation to whales in a group or peas in very close proximity.
And Splasm seem to accept the situation.

You only have to look at the likes of THIS to see that if they let it slide then all sorts of liberties will be taken.

Hope you enjoy your new Windows machine F451…...

Posted by Bob Levens in UK on February 23, 2006 at 4:35 PM (PST)

22

Levens,

Who said I was going the Windows route? Your example has nothing to do with Podner as they are not making hardware facsimiles. Apple needs to get a grip of itself. Major competition just around the bend. Has Apple seen its heyday with its MP4 player? Could be. Apple has definitely changed and if its plans do not go accordingly its stock will show the results in a dramatic downturn. I loved Apple but I never got to the zealot stage, as Apple would want—I respect myself too much for that. BTW, there have been uses of the word “pod” as it relates to media, for the past, so Apple is not the first and deserves to get a taste of its own medicine. Is iLounge next? It uses a the letter “i” in a direct relation to the iPod world to both benefit financially and to be the so-called trend setter of all things “i"Pod. Bob, sorry to have a Me262 raid on your parade.

Posted by FahrenheiPod 451 on February 23, 2006 at 5:00 PM (PST)

23

Me262? Have they trademarked that as well?

I’m not having a parade and I am not trying to justify Apple’s pursuit of everyone who uses the “Pod” word. I was asking a question and attempting to answer the point made by M. le Pod earlier.

“iPod” is in their list of Apple trademarks -
http://www.apple.com/legal/trademark/appletmlist.html
- “Pod” isn’t - so I think they are pushing the envelope a little here.
But they do state HERE -

3. Variations, Takeoffs or Abbreviations: You may not use an image of a real apple or other variation of the Apple logo for any purpose. Third parties cannot use a variation, phonetic equivalent, foreign language equivalent, takeoff, or abbreviation of an Apple trademark for any purpose. For example:

Not acceptable:  Appletree     Jackintosh     Apple Cart     PodMart

So would “PodNer” not be acceptable but “Podner” would????

It seems very much like the goalposts are on wheels just in case….

I’m not a fanatical Apple supporter - I like what they produce and it works which is what my main interest is. If it didn’t work I would use something else.

And as for the letter “i” - well I guess it all depends on how you use “i"t….......

Posted by Bob Levens in UK on February 24, 2006 at 3:07 AM (PST)

24

It is most interesting to watch this debate. Apple is using the most classic legal argument available - threaten action.

As it is now working and the smaller persons using POD in their name and now acquiescing to the Apple legal machine about the name.

Regretfully this is giving Apple exactly what they want – precident!  So that when a case comes between, for example, PodShow and Apple, Apple will be able to say that prior to this X number of other dropped the name of Pod.

I read on another blog about a company, that is not in IT, having a product called Profit Pod who Apple are objecting to their attempt to register the name and again ceasing they stop using pod.

Regretfully this is the lawyers running amok.  To have names that support Apple and their devices such as iPods etc seeks to increase use of the iPods.  The lawyers, in their quest to protect everything, need to be restrained by the senior management of Apple because if this does not happen Apple risks further alienation and backlash against their brand.

Matthew Holden
Sydney

Posted by Matthew on August 17, 2006 at 9:43 PM (PST)