tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post115559706281682629..comments2023-09-28T06:14:47.596-04:00Comments on Peter's Place: Google going the Oprah route?Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-1155674048279626522006-08-15T16:34:00.000-04:002006-08-15T16:34:00.000-04:00UPDATE: OK, so it turns out that the intitial repo...UPDATE: OK, so it turns out that the intitial report was slightly off mark. Google wasn't sending out threatening letters, but letters asking for cooperation in protecting its trademark, as <A HREF="http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/08/15/google_brand_abuse/" REL="nofollow">this article</A> in <A HREF="http://www.theregister.co.uk/" REL="nofollow"><I>The Register</I></A> points out:<BR/><BR/><I>Google no doubt hoped that a light-hearted example would avoid the company sounding oppressive. It has to send letters like this; but its lawyers know that it has only limited powers to dictate how the brand is used. So the letters are seeking support, not threatening litigation.<BR/><BR/>The risk for Google is that it ceases to become a brand altogether. If it becomes generic, the brand can be struck from the register of trademarks, leaving the owner without rights. This has happened before: escalator, aspirin, pogo, gramophone and linoleum were once registered trademarks that became victims of genericide.</I>Peter C. Frankhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com