Google Creates Alphabet, but Runs Into BMW
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/12/technology/google-creates-alphabet-but-runs-into-bmw.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
But Alphabet is also the name of a BMW subsidiary that
provides services to corporations with vehicle fleets. A BMW
spokeswoman said Tuesday that the automaker was not informed
ahead of time of plans by Mr. Page and Mr. Brin to create a
company called Alphabet and had not received any offers to buy
the Internet domain or the trademark. "We are not planning to
sell the domain," said Micaela Sandstede, a BMW spokeswoman in
Munich. She described the website as a "very active" part of
Alphabet's business. BMW is examining whether any trademark
infringement has taken place, Ms. Sandstede said. Just because
one company uses a name does not mean another company cannot use
it. Trademark infringement occurs if another company's use
could create confusion with consumers, according to the United
States Patent and Trademark Office. Google is involved in the
auto industry. It offers a version of the Android operating
system for use in cars and has done extensive research on
self-driving vehicles.
- - -
You won't sell, huh? How about for 10 BILLION dollars? Seriously,
ALPHABET, Inc. per se is unlikely to be a consumer-facing firm in the
usual sense (though obviously various of its subsidiaries with other
names will be). So if BMW wants to hold onto alphabet.com, das ist mir
recht.
--Lauren--
Lauren Weinstein ([email protected]): http://www.vortex.com/lauren
Founder:
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Co-Founder: People For Internet Responsibility: http://www.pfir.org/pfir-info
Member: ACM Committee on Computers and Public Policy
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Tel: +1 (818) 225-2800 / Skype: vortex.com
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