re "You can't trademark something that is already in common use" - Russian Patent Office already granted the certificate, see PDF here - http://russianpatentsblog.patentsfromru.com/2008/12/14/russian-patent-service-says-yes-to-trademarking/ - the only thing pending is payment for the certificate...

I have just trademarked the name Sylvie Barak, please send her over with a big wad of cash and I'll consider letting you use her name to sign articles ;-)

dirty lowlife bastard

I don't know which is more pitiful; that he just now got around to trademarking something that's been used since the 80's (according to Wikipedia, which we all know is never wrong), or that he actually believes that he can hold companies up for royalty payments on something to which he only owns the Russian trademark.

Poor Oleg, I fear he's about to be disappointed.

I think Microsoft or Yahoo should have their lawyers send a nasty threatening letter to him to let him know he is a stupid idiot and they will intentionally drag this through court with lawsuits and counter suits until his next 4 generations are destitute. I think frivolous trademarks and copy write of public domain items just to pressure smaller companies into paying out is extortion and should be treated as such. This guy should rot in jail.

Shall we help him to find a good clinic? :-)

;-)

;-)

;-)

:-P

This is the same sort of attitude the RIAA have.

Except in this case there isn't a bunch of greedy American businessmen pushing through.

all this does is dilute the effectiveness of real trademarks.

Ever heard of pior art?

;-)

You can't trademark something that is already in common use. Not much of a businessman if that's all he can come up with!

In other news, I am patenting the wheel, so start saving if you want to ever use your bicycle again!