Tuesday, March 04, 2003

Let confusion reign

The Supreme Court ruled today that just because businesses have similar names doesn't mean the huge corporation can force the smaller one to change. Companies must prove actual damages. This means, for example, that Radio Shack cannot sue Bianca's Smut Shack for using the word "shack." (Yes, this actually happened, though Bianca eventually prevailed.)

Now the Beatles are safe from Apple Computer, and vice versa. The Beach Boys are safe from Wendy's. Rhino Records is safe from Rhino Truck Linings. And Big Boy Condoms will rise again.

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