R.I.P. Mighty Mouse Trademark Dispute
10 10 2009
By Fitz Collings
In the latest battle between Apple and the rest of the world for seemingly innocuous product names (e.g. the ongoing “pod” litigation), Apple lost the battle over the “Mighty Mouse” trademark on October 6, 2009. The USPTO granted the trademark to Man & Machine, a medical computer devices manufacturer, for a waterproof mouse. Interestingly, Apple was not a party to the original dispute, which originated when Man & Machine and CBS filed applications for the use of the “Mighty Mouse” mark for computer mice with the PTO in 2007. Upon filing, Man & Machine sued CBS to enjoin their use of the mark and compel abandonment of their application. Apple joined the suit as an interested party.
When CBS abandoned its application in June, 2009, and settled with Man & Machine, Man & Machine’s application met no further resistance. Word is that Apple will release a new, multi-touch mouse this year sporting a new moniker. What will they call it? Well, the third-party USB Macally iMouse is nowhere to be found in stores and the trademark for “iMouse” was abandoned back in 2000. I’d say it’s a safe bet Apple will look to lock this one down, but no application has been filed with the PTO yet. Then again, “iMousePod” is available too.
UPDATE: It’s called the Magic Mouse. And it’s awesome.
Photo courtesy of Flickr user moogan.
