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Glass producer defeats Microsoft over 'Windows' mark |
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Written by Felix Da Silva (fdasilva@bitnip.com)
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Thursday, 10 January 2008 |
 A five-year trademark dispute between Microsoft Corporation and a Chinese glass
manufacturer ended today when they received the 'WINDOWS' trademark from the Trademark Office of China.
According to China.org.cn, Ningbo Windows Glasses Company
registered the Chinese trademark of 'WINDOWS' and applied for the English one
subsequently in 2001.
However, the company received a letter from Microsoft,
claiming that they were violating its popular Windows trademark and
must withdraw its application as soon as possible or they would face possible legal actions.
Microsoft pointed out that the term 'WINDOWS' tends to remind everyone of the
famous multinational corporation.
Ningbo responded by saying 'WINDOWS' may be linked to Microsoft when it is mentioned in the
context of computers. They also argued that the two companies' trademarks are designed in different writing
styles.
After five-years since they originally applied for their trademark, three years longer than normal processes, Ningbo received the 'WINDOWS' trademark from the
Trademark Office of China.
Can't blame Microsoft for trying to protect its famous and well known mark even in a field of goods they're not related to yet.
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