Apple has been stepping up its campaign to stomp down on other companies’ use of the word “Pod” in any of their products. Lately, they’ve sent a cease and desist to Mach5Products, which makes the “Profit Pod”, and to TightPods, who make slip-on covers to protect laptops and MP3 players.
We can see why Apple’s doing this, as trademark dilution isn’t is a place no company wants to go. However, in Mach5Products’ case, the owners claim that they thought of the name back in 2001, before they heard of the name iPod. But will that make a difference? Probably not.
Apple claims legal right to word ‘Pod’ [Financial Times]
Hmmm. I guess they’ll need to re-edit Kubrick’s 1960’s classic where astronaut Dave remarks: ” Open the POD bay doors please, Hal.” :-)
This is pretty ridiculous. Make sure to take claim on the word “Crunch” and I am going to take claim on the word “Frank.” :)