Man and Machine (M&M) makes waterproof computer accessories targetted at hospitals and labs. They’ve decided to file a lawsuit against Apple and CBS for their use of the term ‘Mighty Mouse’. Apple as we well know uses the term to describe the popular computer mouse, while CBS uses it for a cartoon character.
The suit has bee filed in the US District Court for the District of Maryland. M&M has said both Apple and CBS are infringing on its Mighty Mouse trademark. CBS and M&M had already been battling over the trademark, but Apple was just now brought into the frey because it licensed the use of the term from CBS (I didn’t know that, did you?).
M&M has stated it is cool with CBS using the trademark for its cartoon and clothing products. However, the big beef M&M has is that CBS has applied for a trademark for the term as it relates to a computer mouse…and the date of application is later than that of M&M.
A snippet from the lawsuit:
“Because of Apple’s size, fame and large advertising budget, Apple’s use of the Mighty Mouse trademark has and will continue to overwhelm M&M’s use of its Mighty Mouse trademark and will cause M&M to lose the value of that trademark…”
I can certainly understand M&M’s problem here. Good for them for taking Apple and CBS on. M&M is seeking damages, attorney fees, interest and costs.
[via MacWorld UK]
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TAGS: Apple, Mighty Mouse
