Windows was always wide open for possible conflicts.

SOME TEN YEARS ago, I was critical of the name "Windows", declaring in my book Naming for Power as “a billion dollar headache for Gates”, which would eventually haunt Microsoft sooner or later.

Generic or dictionary words are part of a public domain. They are not to be used as corporate brands.

Now it's Linux's turn…they are jumping out the Lindows of their mind. Two wrongs will not make one right, hang on you copycats of the free world and stop the presses on Bindows, Dindows and Pindows. These names are not going to take you anywhere. Guaranteed.

The fight between Microsoft and Linux over the use of Lindows since 2001 will now be decided by a grand jury and the opinion of the dozen if Windows is a generic term.

The Linux camp may enjoy this victory but this cute name play wasn't necessary.

On this small planet, there is room for only one Yahoo, one Google and one Apple. For that reason, YOOHOO failed, and BOOBLE, the online sex shop is now in a court battle. PineApple, a computer maker, made small headlines, amongst other computer companies who were trying to ride the fruity-friendly-bandwagon of silicone valley of the period. Copycats should be simply crushed and blended.

Naming is a very serious marketing issue and when rules of naming are followed properly it should result in names that work like marketing weapons. Always use the right reference for name development and name for global markets. Global cyber-branding is full steam ahead.

So, now you think that Microsoft will simply change Windows to Winux?

Please don't. µ