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According to an article in Time[1] 'The Girl Scouts seek a court order blocking the Boy Scouts from using the term “Scout,” “Scouts,” “Scouting,” or “Scouts BSA
by lozaning 8y ago
According to an article in Time[1] 'The Girl Scouts seek a court order blocking the Boy Scouts from using the term “Scout,” “Scouts,” “Scouting,” or “Scouts BSA” without an “inherently distinctive or distinguishing term appearing immediately before it.”'
How is the word scout not considered to be a generic trademark type word at this point and in this context?
Does anyone not see this as a silly, frivolous argument? I'd love to hear your take.
[1] http://www.time.com/5446540/girl-scouts-boy-scouts-lawsuit/ http://www.time.com/5446540/girl-scouts-boy-scouts-lawsuit/
- ajmurmann 8y agoIn this context the is now a risk of confusing products. You can still release products with the word "scout" in it on contexts where there is no danger of confusion by consumers. So you could still have a car called "scout" without these two orgs suing you
- function_seven 8y agoIn the context of youth leadership development, "Scout" can be trademarked. Just like "Apple"—in the context of computers, phones, etc.—is owned by the Mac and iPhone company. Are there any other organizations that use "Scout" in their name, besides BSA and GSUSA?
- deleted 8y ago[deleted]
- steelframe 8y ago> Just like "Apple"—in the context of computers, phones, etc.—is owned by the Mac and iPhone company. Remember that epic multi-decade Apple Corps vs. Apple Computer trademark battle? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Corps_v_Apple_Computer https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Corps_v_Apple_Computer
- function_seven 8y agoHa, I do. This line didn't bode well: > As a condition of the settlement, Apple Computer agreed not to enter the music business $500mm later, and they're best friends now.
- astura 8y agoYes, lots. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scouting https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scouting
- function_seven 8y agoMy apologies, I was asking in the context of USA orgs (since that’s where the dispute is occurring). Every other org I’ve seen in the US is called something other than “Scouts”
- TheSpiceIsLife 8y agoYeah. Can't the Girl Scouts just change their name to Scouts GSA.