iApple: Exclusive Copyright on All iNames
April 12, 2005 | Levent OZLER
Apple Computer today announced that the U.S. copyright office has granted the company an exclusive copyright on all "iNames" such as iMac, iPod, iTunes, iLife, iWork, etc.
Such an unprecedented, broad copyright was a shock to the industry as it could effect hundreds of products which have jumped on the iName bandwagon. Apple lawyers plan to send cease and desist letters to all infringing companies next week.
"This is a draconian move I would have expected from Microsoft, not Apple," grumbled "Skidmark" on a popular Mac website.
Some in the industry worry that the ruling is too broad. "What about inSane Software?" asked one member of that software company's board. "All our inSane products begin with the letters 'in' -- are they effected?"
Los Gatos-based Elgato, makers of EyeTV, a Tivo-like USB video capture system for Macintoshes, were left confused by the ruling. "We're not sure if it effects us or not. EyeTV sounds like iTV, but it's not the same thing. Can phonetical sounds be copyrighted?"
Others were more blunt in their criticism. "It's an iNane ruling," muttered one Microsoft employee who quickly changed the topic when this reporter inquired how an ordinary household term like "windows" can be copyrighted by Microsoft.
But Apple insists they are only protecting their assets. "We iNvented the iName iC
more: macopinion.com/columns/tangible/05/04/01/index.htm (415)
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