“Apple and CBS are being sued for trademark infringement by a competing interface manufacturer,” Andy Space reports for 9 to 5 Mac.
“The case against Apple and CBS was filed by a firm called Man and Machine,” Space reports. “It alleges Apple began selling its Mighty Mouse over one year after Man and Machine began selling waterproof and chemical resistant mice under the same name to labs and hospitals in 2004.”
“Apple licensed use of the Mighty Mouse brand from CBS,” Space reports.
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: The very, very worst outcome for Apple? Settle it with petty cash and/or change the name back to “Apple Pro Mouse.” Done. Oh, and from whom did Man and Machine license “Mighty Mouse?”
Related articles:
Apple debuts Wireless Mighty Mouse – July 25, 2006
Dr. Mac: ‘Mighty Mouse is the finest mouse Apple has ever produced’ – August 09, 2005
The Boston Globe: first shipments of Apple’s Mighty Mouse ‘sold out almost immediately’ – August 08, 2005
Mercury News: Apple’s Mighty Mouse looks ‘like the world’s most carefully crafted bar of soap’ – August 08, 2005
AnandTech: Apple’s Mighty Mouse ‘isn’t exactly perfect’ – August 05, 2005
NY Times’ Pogue: ‘I certainly prefer the Mighty Mouse’ to Apple’s standard one-button mouse – August 04, 2005
Apple’s Mighty Mouse dissected (with image) – August 04, 2005
The Motley Fool: ‘Mighty Mouse may be the next step in Apple’s quiet crusade to lure Windows users’ – August 04, 2005
Mossberg pans Apple Mighty Mouse, says Microsoft’s latest mouse is better – August 04, 2005
Review: Apple’s Mighty Mouse – Third-party USB mouse makers should be very afraid – August 03, 2005
Apple’s new ‘Mighty Mouse’ provides audio feedback for clicking and scrolling – August 02, 2005
Apple introduces multi-button ‘Mighty Mouse’ with ‘Scroll Ball’ for Mac and Windows – August 02, 2005
Yeah … if they are guilty, settle with cash and change the name to the ” Mac Mouse “. I would find it hard to believe that they didn’t check to see where that trademarked name was used.
Apple licensed the name from the owner of the name, and the plaintiffs did not. CBS should counter-sue.
-jcr
@The Great Apple Fanboy Massacre
Glad you are hanging out with us to try and get your insecure and much needed daily dose of power…let me introduce you to Zune Tang. Stay awhile and you may eventually “get it”, because most of us here have already “got it”.
Instead, you could go to a “how can we fix Vista” forum, but it is more fun here.
@The Great Apple Fanboy Massacre
Actually you have it wrong. A copyrighted name is protected no matter its use. Why do you think Apple had its problems with the Beatles and Apple Corps (and I’m talking before iTunes even existed, therefore it was music one application and computers the other.) If I were to name a car Pepsi, you bet I’d get my butt sued off.
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/05/21/apple_sued_for_callings_its_mouse_mighty.html
Last sentence (emphasis mine): “M&M;, whose own application for the Mighty Mouse trademark is still pending, is seeking an injunction barring Apple from further use of the mark, damages, and attorneys’ fees.”
…so they don’t even own the trademark yet, and they’re already suing? And our legal system allows this?? Unbelievable.
Hopefully, they just revamp the crappy Tit-Mouse into something more comfortable to use and maintain.
The MM just plain sucks. Trying to be different isn’t a good thing.
What exactly is it that screws up the appearance of the comments on the odd occasion?
Cubert I asked that same question last week. It only happens once in awhile and they usually fix it right away. i still would like to know what causes it though….
If the products are distinct, then there is no risk of confusion. Thus the debate over Apple because of the music link, but no controversy over many other names used concurrently by different companies and in different industries.
I doubt that a lab is going to order the wrong mice.
I would have to agree with MPC Guy. I tried Apple’s mice…the one-button mouse and the Mighty Mouse. I like them and they look stylish, but there are some things about them that warrant a design change. I currently use a Logitech wireless notebook mouse and I love it. See Apple forgot one thing with that little scroll ball…it’s going to get dirty and it breaks too. How do I know? Well since I turned my whole family on to Macs, I am the IT guy. If there is mouse trouble, I hear about it. I have since recommended them to buy mice that suits them. For me, I chose to go with a Logitech for very specific reasons.I think Apple is missing some revenue here. I think Apple needs to design more mice for a wider variety of users. Or, at the very least, consider that people want selection. Shopping for a mouse is like shopping for golf clubs. Why doesn’t Apple make a notebook mouse? Say….mini mouse? Not everyone wants a 360 degree scroll wheel either. I could easily see 5 iterations of the new Apple mouse line-up. Well, a guy can dream I guess… I mean how many iPods are there 4 or 5? I lost track… but only one mouse? I’m of course not listing wireless as a feature but you get the point. Who knows maybe the market research dictates they shouldn’t.
@Cubert. Somebody explained the problem once, but I can’t remember the details (something to do with CSS?). At times like this, command + is your friend.
$129 is TOO MUCH. It’s the reason why I never subscribed. It’s a very tempting service to get but then when it’s renewal time, you have to pay all over again.
I’ve always procrastinated that I’m gonna get .Mac since I first got my Mac Mini in 2005. Still never got it.
My biggest interest of .Mac is the space & Back to My Mac Feature.
Either offer $129 for unlimited time or $29 per year.
I would get it in a Heartbeat then.
“our legal system allows this?”
You can sue anyone for anything. If your petition is truly asinine, the court is likely to not only throw it out, but also require you to pay the defendant’s costs.
-jcr
This article is almost as stupid as Zune Tang. Almost though, after all Zune Tang is pretty stupid
The Mighty Mouse is a terrible mouse with a terrible name.
I hope the Man and Machine wins and Apple changes the name. Even better, change the lousy mouse too.
another ‘only in America’ shit. well has anyone gotten hold of the name ‘iMouse’ then?
Man & Machine, Inc. declines to discuss its trademark-infringement complaint against Apple, Inc. and CBS Corporation, the underlying merits of the case, or any related settlement discussions, since the litigation remains pending. Meanwhile, we remain committed to protecting our rights to the MIGHTY MOUSE trademark and also to finding a fair resolution for all involved parties.
Man & Machine designs and manufactures a completely customizable line of hygienic, cost-effective, water-resistant computer keyboards and mice. They are distinguished by their ability to be washed and disinfected, and matchless in their rugged, sealed design, 100% latex-free silicone construction ideal for medical, healthcare, dental, and institutional environments – the best of breed choice anywhere safety, durability and user health are priorities.