Podcast Ready, legal note

Apple has issued another 'cease and desist' order, claiming that the terms "Podcast Ready" and "myPodder" infringe upon its trademarks and confuse consumers. Apple is known for its strict trademark policy, as well as its no-tolerance approach to dealing with companies that use its trademarked terms to describe their own products -- especially those containing the term 'pod.' Podcast Ready chief Russel Holliman said he would consider dropping the name "myPodder" if he had to, but thinks differently with regard to "Podcast Ready." The request suggests Apple is claiming ownership of the word "podcast," which originated from "iPod" but is now defined as a general term used for digital audio shows that aren't necessarily affiliated with one brand more than another, according to one Wired blogger. The letter arrived the day before Podcast Ready released an updated version of its software that works with Apple's iPod players.

by MacNN Staff