Microsoft loses bid for a trademark on the word 'Windows' for PC software

Article Abstract:

The US Patent and Trademark Office rebuffs Microsoft Corp's bid to trademark the word 'Windows' for the firm's hugely popular Microsoft Windows microcomputer software. In 1992, the trademark office temporarily ruled in favor of Microsoft; however, the office reconsidered after Borland International Inc formally opposed Microsoft's bid. Microsoft plans to appeal the ruling. Smaller software firms worry that Microsoft is so big and powerful that it can effectively corner the market on Windows trade names merely by buying them from other holders. For example, software developer Ed Anson says he got less than market value when he sold his HyperWindows trademark to Microsoft in 1992 for less than $10,000, but says he feared the cost of protecting his claim from Microsoft litigation would have bankrupted him. Smaller firms complain that Windows was a generic term in the industry long before Microsoft Windows came along.

Computer peripheral equipment, not elsewhere classified, Intellectual property, Microsoft Windows (GUI), Domination, Windowing, Trademark

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WordPerfect move signals intense battle; shipping Windows version of software heats up rivalry with Microsoft

Article Abstract:

WordPerfect Corp began shipping its WordPerfect for Windows product on Nov 8, 1991. The new product puts WordPerfect into direct competition with Microsoft Corp for the most lucrative part of the microcomputer software market. The product was delayed, and WordPerfect has already lost some of its 60 percent of market share in a market estimated to be worth $1 billion. Microsoft has benefited during the past year because of WordPerfect's delay. The competition between Microsoft and WordPerfect Corp now will be carefully scrutinized. According to Microsoft VP Jeff Raikes, the next six months will be a critical time between the two companies.

Computer integrated systems design, Product introduction, Market share, Word processing software, WordPerfect Corp., product announcement, Competition, WordPerfect for Windows 5.1 (Word processing software)

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