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Microsoft Forces wxWindows To Rename

Posted by timothy on from the next-stop-is-mr-andersen dept.

Peter Millerchip writes "Apparently Microsoft have forced wxWindows, the popular cross-platform C++ GUI library, to change its name to wxWidgets over the UK trademark of the seemingly generic word 'Windows.' Hot on the heels of the MikeRoweSoft.com incident, you have to wonder if their overactive legal team will be targetting double glazing manufacturers next?"

5 of 91 comments (clear)

  1. Phew, it's hot in here by Ianoo · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I think I might have to open some wind^H^H^H^Hframed glass panes attached to hinges!

    Seriously... this trademarking of generic words is just silly. Is someone going to trademark the word "The" next, so no company name can contain it?

  2. This is retarded by fredrikj · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I can actually understand the case against Lindows to some degree, because Lindows is a name that might confuse consumers. wxWindows, however, is a tool for developers. Developers developing applications for windowing environments, people who very well know the difference between Windows(tm) and a windowing user interface. Joe Avg will never encounter the name.

    I guess X is next.

  3. Re:It's a better name anyway by TykeClone · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Because that's what they generate - program windows.

    --
    A fine is a tax you pay for doing wrong and a tax is a fine you pay for doing all right.
  4. Office next? by Vincman · · Score: 4, Insightful

    ...you have to wonder if their overactive legal team will be targetting double glazing manufacturers next?
    Or Office for that matter! This whole discussion makes no sense whatsoever. Windows as a word does not infringe, unless it is accompanied by the word Microsoft.
    It's like McDonalds sueing every fastfood-place in the world for using the words Milkshake or Hamburger.

  5. They did it for the money by magnum3065 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Hmmm, tough choice: get into a legal battle to keep the name "wxWindows" and spend a lot of money, or change to "wxWidgets" and get "modest financial compensation" from Microsoft?