TigerDirect has filed a lawsuit against Apple, citing that Mac OS X 10.4 “Tiger” infringes “upon Tiger Direct’s trademarks surrounding the name Tiger.” The full story and legal documents are available in this MacMerc exclusive. The official hearing is set for Tuesday, May 3rd.
Update: After further reading, it looks like TigerDirect tried to legally halt tonight’s premiere release of Mac OS X 10.4. Their request was, of course, denied.
Comments
2 responses to “Tiger Pouncing on Tiger”
You know, this kind of lawsuit makes my blood boil. I really hope those hearing the case and making the decision have the good sense to realise that there is no way known to man that Apple’s decision to use the name “Tiger” could possibly have any kind of negative effect on this company TigerDirect (which, I might add, myself and half the planet has never heard of). Trademark infringement definition needs to be more than what it is, currently.
Seems to me this is just vexatious nonsense from a company trying to garner free advertising. Expensive way to go about it, though.
I could agree with you more. I think that, in the end, it boils down to the fact that TigerDirect is worried about the possibility that Mac OS X 10.4 “Tiger” may defame the name of TigerDirect. If TigerDirect were to win this lawsuit (they won’t), what next? Do the plan to sue every zoo and Tiger habitat on the face of the earth? IMO, nothing else could defame your name than a ferocious, wild, and carnivorous animal. As soon as the hearing gets underway, Apple’s defense will be simple. “Do not feed or attempt to interact with the Tiger[Direct].”