Microsoft Corporation vs MikeRoweSoft -Software giant wants www.mikerowesoft.com

officialspin.com ^ | 1/19/04

[boris]

There was a small outfit in NY state called "Big Blue Enterprises". They sold used IBM big iron.

For years, IBM tried to get people to stop calling the 'Big Blue' but one day their lawyers slapped a lawsuit against this little guy, claiming infringement on their trademark. Naturally he folded.

===============================================

My favorite is when Oleg Cassini's lawyers sent JPL a 'cease and desist' for having named its spacecraft after their client. No kidding.

Could I name a company "Macrosaft"?...

--Boris

[theFIRMbss]

>There was a small outfit in NY state called "Big Blue Enterprises". They sold used IBM big iron.

Wasn't the program
Tiny Basic offered by
the "Itty Bitty

Machine Company"
back in the good old days when
minimal was cool...

[theFIRMbss]

>A 17 year-old high school student, Mike Rowe ...problems began on 5 August 2003, when he registered the domain name [mikerowesoft.com], intending to promote his website development business.

[Smokin' Joe]

The hell of it is, Microsoft has probably spent more than $10,000 on lawyers. They should have just said OK, here is the check, we'll compensate you for your time and effort, pick a new name for your business, and pony up.

If this guy has had this name since childhood, take the buggers to the mat.

Needless to say, if Microsoft thinks this will confuse their customers, then they don't think much of their customer base.

[general_re]

Needless to say, if Microsoft thinks this will confuse their customers, then they don't think much of their customer base.

You would be amazed at how many people type "hotmale.com" instead of "hotmail.com". An error I suggest you don't repeat, BTW ;)

The point being, of course, is that while Microsoft may not have a high opinion of the general public, that opinion is not entirely unjustified.

[kever]

He's not using their trademark or anything - just because it "sounds" like Microsoft doesn't give them the rights to it.

They already own the software world - now they want to own things that sound similar?

[Joe Bonforte]

I'm generally OK with Microsoft, and a big proponent of .NET. But I have to admit that Microsoft lacks a sense of humor.

For further evidence look at their TV ads. They're pointless.

They should have had a good laugh, and paid this guy a couple of thousand bucks for being so clever.

[j_tull]

now they want to own things that sound similar

Homonymophobic?

[poindexter]

"They should have had a good laugh, and paid this guy a couple of thousand bucks for being so clever."

But you don't understand. Bill Gates _wants_ those couple of thousand bucks. He wants it. It's precious!

[OXENinFLA]

lololol!!!!

MikeRowe

Smart A$$ and proud of it!

I love it!

[Cicero]

I think Mike Rowe can win this case. Lindows did. In any case, he is getting some nice publicity. Everyone will remember Mike Rowe.

[CharacterCounts]

Well, that puts a definite damper on my plans for a new website named "My Crow Soft"

[dangus]

No, it's PRECIOU$$$$

[Revolting cat!]

It's Better Manual

[smith288]

There is also http://www.nissan.com

[kever]

Homonymophobic?

Haha.......Totally!

[Born Conservative]

ping

[ChefKeith]

(most) lawyers are scum and bill gates is worse than that

[Pearls Before Swine]

Could I name a company "Macrosaft"?...

You could, but Bill Gates might find "Microshaft" or "Macroshaft" more insulting.