Apple sued over Mighty Mouse
Medicinal pointer predates pretender by a year
APPLE IS BEING SUED by Maryland-based accessory maker Man and Machine according to the folks at 9 to 5 Mac.
The company, which makes gunk-proof, silicone-sealed mice and keyboards for use in medical, industrial and marine applications, maintains that its trademarked Mighty Mouse predates the multi buttoned Apple offering by more than a year.
Apple thought that it had originally licensed the name from CBS which owns the rights to the cartoon super-hero rodent of the same name.
But Man and Machine is arguing that the CBS trademark did not cover goods in that category and never had the right to sell the name.
L'Inqs
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Comments
Looks quite handy
They should brand it as the "Master Mouse". They'd sell millions.Give me a break
What is it with these little no name rat terrier companies suing? $$I know greed.
@John
Until it's defeated by the Doctor mouse.MIGHTY MOUSE is not a proper name
Much ado about nothin'. Lots of mouses are mighty, matter of fact. Mr. Mouse, first name Mighty, is not a proper name & thence not truly protectable -- not truly in the "lets get real here" sense. It's not a name! It's just a noun & an adjective.Brand-Name, Sham-Game.
...unlike "Grunchy" which truly is a proper name. I should really be called "Mighty McGrunchykins".
(I don't use an apple computer on purpose).
Mighty Mouse
nope, the only truely *uckin stupid name they should use is imouseonce the apple fanbois see 'i' anything. they say"hey like ..like thats for us cool mac guys! it like our letter ...i-like"
they will keep on being i-diots at any rate
Are You Going To Be A Man or a Mouse?
Man & Machine, Inc. declines to discuss its trademark-infringement complaint against Apple, Inc. and CBS Corporation, the underlying merits of the case, or any related settlement discussions, since the litigation remains pending. Meanwhile, we remain committed to protecting our rights to the MIGHTY MOUSE trademark and also to finding a fair resolution for all involved parties.Man & Machine designs and manufactures a completely customizable line of hygienic, cost-effective, water-resistant computer keyboards and mice. They are distinguished by their ability to be washed and disinfected, and matchless in their rugged, sealed design, 100% latex-free silicone construction ideal for medical, health care, dental, and institutional environments – the best of breed choice anywhere safety, durability and user health are priorities.
Case dismissed
"Man and Machine" should probably have kept their lawyers shut actually, simply because Apple DID do their homework and license the name from CBS.M & M's argument is weak tea, since trademarks like this cross industries when you have a highly recognizable name, and its reasonable to assume association, which is the case with Mighty Mouse.
You immediately identify the name with the character.
CBS probably either didn't know or didn't care that the product was being marketed under this name, but now they certainly do, and an injunction against M & M will most likely be filed soon.
In understand their argument, since they used the name on a computer mouse first, but the lack of licensing a recognizable trademark that has been used in products outside the cartoon (toys, comics, clothing, etc) really hoses them. Had they licensed they'd win faster than you can say "I find in favor of the plaintiff"