Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by cedilla 101 days ago
Microsoft does not have a trademark for "Office", which is clearly a type of product and can't be used as a program name (just like you can't name your oatmeal "Oatmeal" and expect trademark protection).

Microsoft does have a figurative trademark for "Office" with the rectangular icon: https://euipo.europa.eu/eSearch/#details/trademarks/01141355... - office.eu's logo does not bear any resemblance.

The only way this would be infringing is if office.eu usage could be confused with Microsoft other's trademarks - like Microsoft Office - but I don't see that.

So no, office.eu will have a calm Monday on that front, just like hundreds of other companies offering products with "Office" in their name.

(I'm not a lawyer. Talk to a lawyer before deciding to take on a trillion dollar company).
2 comments
ocdtrekkie 101 days ago
I can't wait to launch my Office alternative in Cameroon, office.cm. I do suspect using such a generic TLD swap of Office's well-known domain for a knockoff is particularly perilous compared to others mentioned. Bear in mind the possibility for consumer confusion is a top criteria.
link
blell 101 days ago
>just like hundreds of other companies offering products with "Office" in their name

There may be hundreds of other companies selling products with the noun "office" in their names, but there only is one producing a productivity suite called simply "Office". I would expect launching another productivity suite called "Office" would be trademark infringement. Just like I can't release a car called "Beetle" or "Golf".

link
surgical_fire 101 days ago
> productivity suite called simply "Office"

Microsoft Office.

I doubt Microsoft can own a name as generic as Simply "office".

Office.eu does not hold any resemblance to Microsoft Office in terms of logo, typography, makes no reference to MS, etc.

Of course they can sue. The most competent employees at MS are likely their lawyers and lobbyists anyway.

link
deaux 101 days ago
If you'd read the article you'd see this one's called "Office.eu" or "Office EU", which is fine.
link
cedilla 101 days ago
Microsoft never called their productivity suite "simply" office, nor have they registered a product under that name.
link