Episode 53: Shepard Fairey in a Hurt Locker
Tetris Takedowns, AP/Shepard Fairey Case, and EFF opposes Hurt Locker subpoenas.
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Tetris Takedowns on Android Store
Google blocks Tetris clones from Android market
Update on AP v. Shepard Fairey
Court: AP ‘is going to win’ Shepard Fairey case
EFF Opposes Hurt Locker Subpoenas
EFF Asks Judges to Quash Subpoenas in Movie-Downloading Lawsuits
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Posted in: Podcast on June 7, 2010
Is There an Impending DROID Fight?
Verizon recently announced two phones branded with the “DROID” mark. One of the phones is made by Motorola, the other by HTC. The name likely comes from the fact that both phones run the Android operating system.
Typically a trademark answers the question “Where am I from?” Not, “What am I?” For example, Swingline on your red stapler lets you know that the stapler is from Swingline. It doesn’t tell you that it’s a stapler.
DROID here doesn’t fall into either category. It doesn’t particularly tell you where it’s from, because the phones are on Verizon but made by two different companies. It also doesn’t describe the product itself.
Regardless, if Verizon filed for a trademark on the name DROID for cell phones, they would probably be given the trademark.
That is, if Lucasfilm hasn’t beaten them to it.
On October 9th, Lucasfilm filed an applcation to register the word “DROID” for “Wireless communications devices, including, mobile phones, cell phones, hand held devices and personal digital assistants.” The serial number is 77845682, and you can search for the application through the TESS Engine at the Trademark office. Sadly, I can’t find a way to directly link to it.
We’ll follow this as it develops because a lot of issues might arise if these two companies clash. Stay tuned.
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Posted in: Commentary on November 5, 2009
