Handling Accusations of Trademark Infringement?

Dredd2Kad asks: "Recently I've been accused of trademark infringement because of something in the metadata of my website. What are my rights? Should I stand and fight or let it go? Part of me doesn't care, because my website is nothing but a special interest group, the other part of me is mad as hell that someone has come to my place and threatened me. I feel the plaintiff chose to trademark something really generic (HardRadio), and my choice of metadata (hard radio) should be allowed some wiggle room, especially since I'm not a commercial entity like they are. Please read my story and let me know what you think. I know someone out there must have had a similar problem." In addition to seeking professional legal advice, what other steps can one take to handle these problems?

Comments

DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME WITH LINUX!

[Anonymous Coward]

Linux seems like a good choice at first because the basic premise of Linux which is free software initially sounds like a great idea. But unfortunately like most things that seem too good to be true at first, Linux is yet another dismal failure.

Failure you say? How can Linux be a failure when so many big names like Walmart, IBM, various Government agencies and so forth are using Linux?

This is one of the dirty little secrets that the radical Linux movement does not want you to know about. The converts will flubber on and on about how Linux is making inroads in many major companies. While there is some truth in that statement, what they don't tell you is that Linux is being used as a server operating system and in most cases is replacing UNIX, NOT WINDOWS.

The same thing goes for Hollywood and the film industry where Linux is either being used as back office number crunchers or is replacing high end Unix rendering systems. One point that is ignored is that these high end programs cost just as much for Linux versions as they do for Unix versions, however the HARDWARE needed to run Linux is much cheaper than that needed to run REAL UNIX. IOW, it's all about money and NOT free applications and Windows isn't even really in the picture.

So why are many third and semi-third world nations converting to Linux? The answer is quite simple, the ability to plant whatever spyware they want right into the software before it is sold.

Having the source code is a two way street and while an end user can look at it, most don't care and wouldn't know what they were looking at anyway. The point is that these nations, like China, have a track record of oppression and spying on their citizens and Linux makes it so very easy for them to insert code that will report back to the authorities any odd behavior by the end user.

It's the perfect crime.

So where is Linux on the desktop? The truth is Linux is nowhere. Linux may, and I am being generous here, may have 1 percent of the desktop market but that is stretching it quite a bit.

Walmart is selling Linux machines, but how well are they selling and what kind of return rate do they have?

Do you know anyone outside of the computer science community using Linux? Does AOL work with Linux? Do all of those games on the shelf at Fry's work with Linux? Does Linux support modern hardware? Can Linux interface 100 percent with other Windows applications like Quicken and Microsoft Office?

The Linux cuckoo will say that WINE is a great way to use WIndows programs under Linux. The truth is WINE is a pile of garbage. It does not run Windows applications very well and in truth proves the fact that Linux is lacking in the area of applications that many users need.

Speaking of applications, this is the weakest part of Linux. Sure you get 100's of applications with a typical Linux CD, but who really needs 25 editors, compilers and a collection of games right out of 1985 circa TRON.

How about time?

Do you have any idea how long it takes to set up a Linux system properly using an editor like emacs?

It's a horror show.

Security?

Linux is one of the most insecure operating systems on the internet. Take a look at all of the alerts issued by any Linux vendor and you will see all kinds of stuff the cuckoos don't want you to know about.

The obvious conclusion is that Linux is a waste of time and should you not believe me take a trip over to: www.linuxiso.org and see for yourself.

Make sure you back up your system first though because when Linux installs it goes on a seek and destroy mission and will wipe out all of your Windows system including your data.

After all Linux is better, right?

NOT!

Re:Don't let them bully you.

[0x0d0a]

Hmm.

I actually kind of think you are in the wrong WRT embed bits being a protection mechanism under the DMCA.

I honestly think that the real problem is the over-broad DMCA.

I kind of wish that the EFF had been able to take this one to court...the ridiculousness of the argument would have been a good argument against the DMCA.