Microsoft could be in for a bumpy ride over the launch of their Xbox console as a small Florida software house have already claimed the name.
Xbox Technologies claim that they are prepared to go to court to protect their trademark. They filed the first of its 47 current applications for the Xbox brand with the US Patent and Trademark Office back in March 1999. "There's no way that we can co-exist," he said. "We can't afford to have our business confused with games for kids. Either we find a business solution or we get into a legal battle."
It is possible that Xbox Technologies could take out a court injunction to freeze the launch to protect their copyright. Obviously, any delay to the Xbox's huge marketing drive would be a big embarrassment to Microsoft. Let's hope they reach an amicable agreement soon.
Source: Upwire News Story
