johnnymk
07-31-2003, 05:17 AM
Wired News Report
10:23 AM Jul. 30, 2003 PT
Canned-meatery Hormel Foods filed two legal challenges with the Patent and Trademark Office to try to stop SpamArrest, a software company, from using the name Spam, for which Hormel holds the trademark.
SpamArrest, which specializes in blocking junk e-mail or "spam," filed papers to trademark its corporate name early this year. Hormel then sent the company a warning to drop the word "Spam." SpamArrest refused.
SpamArrest said its use of the word has nothing to do with Hormel's product, first produced in 1937. Hormel officials disagree, arguing that the company has carefully protected and invested in the brand name, and that the public could confuse the meat product with the technology company.
Hormel acknowledges that its brand name has taken on new meaning; its website outlines what the company considers acceptable uses of the word. It filed the trademark challenges in late June.
10:23 AM Jul. 30, 2003 PT
Canned-meatery Hormel Foods filed two legal challenges with the Patent and Trademark Office to try to stop SpamArrest, a software company, from using the name Spam, for which Hormel holds the trademark.
SpamArrest, which specializes in blocking junk e-mail or "spam," filed papers to trademark its corporate name early this year. Hormel then sent the company a warning to drop the word "Spam." SpamArrest refused.
SpamArrest said its use of the word has nothing to do with Hormel's product, first produced in 1937. Hormel officials disagree, arguing that the company has carefully protected and invested in the brand name, and that the public could confuse the meat product with the technology company.
Hormel acknowledges that its brand name has taken on new meaning; its website outlines what the company considers acceptable uses of the word. It filed the trademark challenges in late June.