Google Sued Over Chromebook Name 116
nk497 writes "A PC maker is suing Google over the Chromebook name, saying the brand infringes on its own computer, the ChromiumPC — which was originally intended to run the open-source Chrome OS. Isys Technologies wants Google and its partners to stop marketing Chromebooks, and is hoping to delay the 15 June launch. The company also claims that Google had originally been planning to call the netbook-like devices 'Speedbooks.'"
Re:Read to the end: Google is strongarming them (Score:5, Informative)
I'm curious how Google delayed their trademark registration. Now, I've never filed for a trademark, but I always had the impression that you filled a trademark at a government office, not at Google HQ.
I've also never filed for a trademark, but a trademark, unlike a patent, apparently, isn't just automatically granted because you filed the paperwork and paid the fees. There is a process where the details of the trademark application are made public, and third parties have the opportunity to submit comments and criticisms of the trademark application if they feel it is not a valid trademark. It is possible, although I'm only guessing here, that this is what Google did.
Here's Wikipedia's explanation of the process [wikipedia.org]:
Third, and after the examination of the mark has concluded with no issues to be addressed or an applicant has responded adequately to an examining attorney's concerns, the application will be published for opposition. During this 30-day period third-parties who may be affected by the registration of the trademark may step forward to file an Opposition Proceeding to stop the registration of the mark. If an Opposition proceeding is filed it institutes a case before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board to determine both the validity of the grounds for the opposition as well as the ability of the applicant to register the mark at issue.