Does Apple Own The Word "pod"?
Tuesday August 15, 2006 | Permalink
Apple's legal department is at it again. It looks like they're going after companies that market products whose name contains the word "pod". Apple's lawyers claim that consumers can become confused with other products who's trademark appears similar to their own.
One of the companies Apple is going after isn't even a full-fledged company but a small family business. The Ellison family sells a digital score-keeping product for arcade machines called the Profit Pod.
Now Apple hunting down companies who sell devices that are obviously taking advantage of the iPod's trademark is fine. But trying to strong-arm those who's products obviously have nothing to do with Apple's media player is just crazy. Apple should be far more selective as to who it releases its hounds on because this is creating bad press for them.
How does this translate to home theaters? LoftGoods is a company that makes a home entertainment chair called the Gamepod. I wouldn't be surprised is Apple sent a cease and decist letter to them also.
Now I can't speak for everybody, but to me the word pod implies an object that's somewhat egg-shaped and compact. Something you even sit in. See where I'm going with this? The Gamepod was very well named and shouldn't have to give up its name should Apple try to force them too. My point is that Apple doesn't hold an exclusive copyright on the word "pod" and I suspect (and hope) it would lose any court fight against manufacturers whose products have no resemblance in form or function to the iPod.
Just my 2 cents.
One of the companies Apple is going after isn't even a full-fledged company but a small family business. The Ellison family sells a digital score-keeping product for arcade machines called the Profit Pod.
Now Apple hunting down companies who sell devices that are obviously taking advantage of the iPod's trademark is fine. But trying to strong-arm those who's products obviously have nothing to do with Apple's media player is just crazy. Apple should be far more selective as to who it releases its hounds on because this is creating bad press for them.
How does this translate to home theaters? LoftGoods is a company that makes a home entertainment chair called the Gamepod. I wouldn't be surprised is Apple sent a cease and decist letter to them also.
Now I can't speak for everybody, but to me the word pod implies an object that's somewhat egg-shaped and compact. Something you even sit in. See where I'm going with this? The Gamepod was very well named and shouldn't have to give up its name should Apple try to force them too. My point is that Apple doesn't hold an exclusive copyright on the word "pod" and I suspect (and hope) it would lose any court fight against manufacturers whose products have no resemblance in form or function to the iPod.
Just my 2 cents.
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