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Apple Warns Companies About 'Pod' Naming

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the podcaster's-nightmare dept.

eldavojohn writes "In what may be a case of trademark trolling, Apple has issued warnings to makers of other electronic devices containing the word 'pod.' Two companies have been asked to remove the word from their products. Why might this be a mean action by Apple? These two companies don't manufacture MP3 players as one would think would cause confusion. From the article:
Profit Pod is a device that compiles data from vending machines, while TightPod manufactures slip-on covers designed to protect electronic products such as laptops and MP3 players.
Back in the day, if someone was calling an electronic device a 'pod,' I would have thought they were talking about Line 6's Guitar and Bass pods (which I believe have been around for a while). How come they aren't warning Apple about their iPod naming?"

4 of 392 comments (clear)

  1. 2001 by LiquidCoooled · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Open the Music player doors Hal.

    --
    liqbase :: faster than paper
  2. HAL by Pebble · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Dave. Rotate C-pod, please, Hal.
    Frank. What sort of trouble have you been having, Dave?
    Dave. I've been getting some interference on D channel.
    Frank. Hmm. We'll have a look at it.
    Dave. Open the door, Hal...Rotate pod, please, Hal...Stop pod rotation, please, Hal...(turns off switches for communications)...Rotate the pod, please, Hal...(louder) Rotate the pod, please, Hal...I don't think he can hear us.
    HAL. I can hear you fine Dave, It's just Apple won't let us call any self contained unit a pod anymore. And to think, I used to enjoy working with human beings.

  3. Why not sue Apple? by halivar · · Score: 1, Redundant
    Back in the day, if someone was calling an electronic device a 'pod,' I would have thought they were talking about Line 6's Guitar and Bass pods (which I believe have been around for a while). How come they aren't warning Apple about their iPod naming?"
    Maybe it's because the Line6 folks aren't litigious bastards?
  4. Just wondering..... by Slashcrap · · Score: 1, Redundant

    ...if I make a joke about Apple trademarking "i" next, can I also get modded +2 Funny like the other 100 unoriginal shitstains in this thread?

    What about if I throw in a Duke Nukem Forever joke? That's got to be worth another +2 at least.