Patrick Greenwell wrote:
> http://news.cnet.com/news/1,10000,0-1005-200-1474021.html
The article by Patricia Jacobus (CC'd above) may give the
impression to a casual reader that vw.net was somehow
"using" the common Volkswagen AG initials -- especially
apparent in the following exerpts [my * for emphasis]:
The automaker's loss comes as courts have issued
a string of decisions refusing to recognize expansive
trademark rights on the Net. But it's a *trend* that *could
come to a halt* with new legislation aimed at curtailing
so-called cybersquatting.
and,
But recently passed cybersquatting legislation, which
ostensibly targets domain name registrants who hijack
well-known marks to sell them back to trademark holders,
could put a *damper* on *such victories*.
However, lest one believes that the Latin alphabet does not
have enough letters to support e-commerce or if one ignores
trademark law that allows several companies to legally trademark
and use "VW" in different classes than Volkswagen AG,
then the only suprise that should have been reported by Patricia
is that a company (vw.net) had to go to court in order to affirm
the obvious in a David versus Goliath fight.
Perhaps, a "special interest" US legislation such as the "Cyber-
squatting Bill" is still a surprise for journalits, but the overreaching
aspects of that initiative was not pointed out -- to the contrary, it
was praised for saying what is already granted by trademark
law.
And, if this continues to be the type of information that the public
receives, no wonder the public will soon cry for more regulation.
As desired.
Cheers,
Ed Gerck
