“The big question here, of course, is whether Apple’s attempt to own the word ‘pod’ means that we should pick another name for ‘podcasting’ before it’s too late.” (Wired “Listening Post”, Sept. 28). More: Slashdot, The Inquirer, Russell Shaw on ZDNet, and lots more.
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In Apple; technology; trademark
I wonder if Microsoft would have a problem with using the term Zunecast?
I’m waiting for them to sue all the whales and dolphins. Possibly all marine biologists, too.
As I understand it, Apple is suing because the company is attempting to register, “podcast ready,” or something similar. Giving anyone other than Apple the rights to the words/phrase would create chaos, don’t you think?
Jim
Follow-up from Daring Fireball
Apple hasn’t said word one about tens of thousands of people using the term “podcast,” despite Apple’s “iPod” trademark and its claim on “Pod” as a portable audio player trademark as well. Apple took action against Podcast Ready because the firm, formerly known as Infostructure Solutions, was attempting to trademark the terms “Podcast Ready” and “MyPodder.” That would mean that other companies who wanted to use the term “podcast ready” would have to license it from Infostructure Solutions, even though the term is obviously and admittedly based on Apple’s “iPod” trademark. Apple cannot allow companies to register a variant on “myPod” as a trademark if it’s defending its own “iPod” trademark.