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MS Asking Makers of 'Windows' Software To Rename

Posted by timothy on from the we-don't-like-your-name dept.

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."

3 of 475 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Company names too by dillon_rinker · · Score: 0, Troll

    Nice troll. Response from m-w.com to a search for "whindow": The word you've entered isn't in the dictionary. Looking up "window" on the web site and searching the page for "whin" finds nothing. Checking google finds nothing to show that "whindow" is an alternate spelling for "window" - while there are hits, they all appear to be either a non-English language or a typo.

  2. They can, and HAVE Trademarked the word Windows. by AzrealAO · · Score: 1, Troll

    Look it the fuck up for christsake.

    No matter how many times you guys repeat the mistaken belief that you cannot Trademark dictionary words, it will not make it so.

    Dictionary words can, and are trademarked all over the world. Trademarks however, are narrow in scope, usually pertaining to a particular type or product or business.

  3. Re:In defense of maturity by Doomrat · · Score: 1, Troll

    All very true. I guess with most people it's just a quest for karma around here..