“Tensions have exploded between Air-O-Matic, Inc. and InfoMedia, Inc., two of the hottest names in iPhone flatulence. Air-O-Matic, maker of ‘Pull My Finger,’ has complained to Apple, threatened to sue its competitor over ‘iFart Mobile,’ and demanded monetary compensation, so InfoMedia is responding via the courts,” David Chartier reports for Ars Technica. “At the center of this combustible situation? A trademark Air-O-Matic was awarded for the phrase ‘pull my finger.'”
“Air-O-Matic complained to Apple and InfoMedia that its competitor was using unfair business practices, such as spamming Twitter users, gaming Google, and tooting its own horn with overtly glowing reviews on the iTunes Store. Air-O-Matic eventually demanded $50,000 after estimating its losses from InfoMedia’s practices, then threatened to sue over InfoMedia’s use of its silent-but-deadly ace in the hole: a trademark it filed for in December 2008 on the phrase ‘pull my finger’ in relation to ‘computer application software for mobile phones,'” Chartier reports.
“InfoMedia used the phrase in promotional video titles and even its initial press release, though ‘pull my finger’ linked to iFart Mobile. Air-O-Matic complained early on and InfoMedia agreed to change the press release’s language ‘as a matter of good will.’ After tiring of the threats, InfoMedia has filed a lawsuit in federal court,” Chartier reports. “Across eight pages that include descriptions of the origin of the ‘pull my finger’ colloquialism, InfoMedia attempts to preempt an Air-O-Matic lawsuit by arguing that the phrase is common slang and not eligible for trademarking.”
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: This really stinks.
