Apple defends iPod with more trademark infringement notices

Apple has been known to ferociously protect its trademark and intellectual property, just like any good company should. But should it be protecting the word "pod" across product boundaries and categories? It's easy to make a trademark-infringement case against manufacturers and markets using the word "pod" in certain products, but what if the products are laptop covers and vending machine data devices?

This quote from Apple about the "Profit Pod" device that is used to collect data from vending machines and video games strikes me as "reaching" a bit: "We believe there is confusing similarity between Apple's iPod mark and the Profit Pod mark. Both devices receive and transmit data, and are used with computers, both are used in connection with video games, and both have other similar components. Moreover, it has not gone unnoticed that, like Apple's iPod device, the Profit Pod product is a small, flat, round-cornered rectangular device with a display screen."

That's fine -- I think. The Profit Pod does not appear to operate anywhere close to the iPod music player universe, yet Mach5Products.com, the maker of the Profit Pod, received a stern letter from Apple about using the word "pod" in its product. The case built above by Apple sounds like a bit of a stretch -- there are millions of devices that fit the category Apple describes, which is vague and loose. Throw in the word "pod", though, and watch out. I agree with the article in that Apple must operate to protect its trademarks and patents, even with ridiculous cease and desist letters.

Otherwise, that inaction would send a message to the industry to copy anything and everything Apple makes, even based on a loose association with the word "pod." How about the P.O.D. moving storage containers? Both have rounded edges, may be used to transport data and computer files, and may be used in connection with video games. Heh.

Brian White has worked in various executive positions in technology and telecommunications and now focuses on editing and writing.