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How Microsoft Takes a Name

An anonymous reader writes "According to a report in the "Seattle Post-Intelligencer," the Windows Defender name was already being used by an Australian developer, Adam Lyttle. His Windows Defender product protected Windows users from malicious Web sites. Adam Lyttle told the Post-Intelligencer's Todd Bishop that Microsoft contacted him a month ago, charging him with infringing on the Windows trademark but neglecting to mention that the software giant wanted to use the "Windows Defender" name. Lyttle subsequently signed over rights to the name to Microsoft and was "shocked" when he later learned the company intended to use the name for one of its own products. "

12 of 600 comments (clear)

  1. Wait a second... by lpangelrob · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...so "yoink" is not the correct answer?

  2. A rose... by tradiuz · · Score: 3, Funny

    A rose by any other name is worth a million dollars to Microsoft.

  3. Wow... by pjameson · · Score: 5, Funny

    3 MS stories in a row... I need my google/apple fix!!

  4. Microsoft could call it Microsoft Maginot Defender by DickBreath · · Score: 5, Funny

    Why can't Microsoft just change the name?

    Since it is a security product from Microsoft, how about a name like:

    Microsoft Maginot Defender

    --

    I'll see your senator, and I'll raise you two judges.
  5. They got his lunch money too. by theSpaceCow · · Score: 3, Funny

    Classic case of bullying. But, even as a dumbass kid myself, I reserve the right to call this guy a dumbass kid -- If he's going to just hand over his property, potentially worth millions, he should at least have asked for $35 like that girl who designed the Nike Swoosh.

    --
    I support the separation of oil and state.
  6. Re:Microsoft could call it Microsoft Maginot Defen by mrsev · · Score: 4, Funny

    >Microsoft Maginot Defender

    With a backdoor called Belgium?

  7. Re:Microsoft could call it Microsoft Maginot Defen by kaszeta · · Score: 4, Funny

    I used to do consulting work installing and maintaining firewalls, and one of my clients insisted, over my objections, on having so many port forwards through his firewall that it was mostly worthless. Oddly, he never questioned my naming the firewall host "maginot." I suppose if he knew what that meant, he might not have continued paying me.

  8. Slashdot spin spin spin spin spin by mumblestheclown · · Score: 3, Funny
    So, let me see if I have this straight: Microsoft was not just going after somebody who had violated their trademark because they wanted to flex their muscles, but because they actually wanted to use the name that they appeared to be legally entitled to? What bastards!

    What's next? Can we expect to see Slashdot "editors" parroting the anti-science witchcraft nonsense that is used to promote such ideas as "condoms cause AIDS" becaus bill gates has donated a ton of money to combat AIDS in africa?

  9. Re:Microsoft could call it Microsoft Maginot Defen by joeyspqr · · Score: 5, Funny

    that gets exploited by Win32.Rommel

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    +1 fashionably cynical
  10. Re:Um... by operagost · · Score: 5, Funny
    Well, as the inevitable exploits appear for this product, I hope Windows likes being referred to as Windows Surrender.
    Sounds like the French language version.
    --

    Gamingmuseum.com: Give your 3D accelerator a rest.
  11. News at 10! by edunbar93 · · Score: 3, Funny

    Lyttle subsequently signed over rights to the name to Microsoft and was "shocked"

    Man signs pact with devil. See how shocked he is when he realizes he's lost his soul! Film at 11!

    --
    "No problem. I have the capacity to do infinite work so long as you don't mind that my quality approaches zero."-Dilbert
  12. Re:Um... by Baorc · · Score: 5, Funny
    Sounds like the French language version.

    Hey! I'm French (and by French I mean French-Canadian) and I take offense to that! But just so that we are clear, I don't want to start anything...So leave us alone!...Please don't hurt me...Ok here take it all!!!*runs away*