Apple thinks it owns the word pod

Stop using "pod" in your name, Apple tells two companies

27 September 2006 17:05 GMT / By Amber Maitland

Apple is chasing after companies it believes are infringing on its copyright of the iPod name to get them to stop using the word “pod” in their names.

Pocastready and Mypodder have recently received cease and desist letters from Apple because consumers could confuse them with Apple products. Apple took the action because two companies were trying to register the phrases themselves.

The letter said, in part, “As you may be aware, Apple has used its IPOD mark since at least as early as October 2001. Since that time, the IPOD trademark has become famous. Moreover, the term POD has also been adopted and used extensively in the marketplace by consumers as an abbreviation to refer to Apple's IPOD player".

"While Apple, of course, has no general objection to proper use of the descriptive term 'podcast' as part of a trademark for goods and services offered in the podcasting field, it cannot allow marks that go beyond this legitimate use and infringe on Apple's rights in POD and IPOD.”

Apple does own the rights to "iPod" and is apparently applying for the same rights for "pod" in some countries.

The companies have until the 5 October to respond.

Via The Register

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