Microsoft Trademarks “Blink”
Google takes notice.
As you might know, Google has recently announced its new rendering engine called Blink, which made us wonder whether or not Microsoft will soon be involved. Why? If you are a Windows Phone user, then there is a high probability that you are already using a photography app by Microsoft Research (first demonstrated in September 2012), which too is called “Blink”.
Well, as it turns out, Microsoft did get involved. According to TheNextWeb, the software giant has since filled a trademark for a “Blink” name and yes, it was after Google’s announcement.
Why do it? Well, seeing that both companies pretty much hate each other, Microsoft could just be messing with Google. However, TNW also reports that MS is planning to bake Blink functionality directy into the Windows Phone platform and it’s just a move to protect the name of an upcoming product.
However, not all is lost yet as Google’s Blink is a rendering engine while Microsoft’s Blink is just a photography app. They do not compete with each other and it’s nearly impossible to confuse one with another.
About (Author Profile)
Vygantas is a former web designer whose projects are used by companies such as AMD, NVIDIA and departed Westood Studios. Being passionate about software, Vygantas began his journalism career back in 2007 when he founded FavBrowser.com. Having said that, he is also an adrenaline junkie who enjoys good books, fitness activities and Forex trading.
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“blink” in computer science is more related to blink in html…
So Google can probably invalidate any MS “blink” trademarks.
That’s not how trademarks work. Microsoft was first to the party and as such, they get first dibs.
However as the article states, they’re in completely different products; meaning they don’t compete with eachother and as such I see no reason why both can’t exist.
Dunno.
In Poland at leas you can invalidate trademark if you can show that it was used previously as general term or that people associate it with something general.
Eg. You can not trademark :
GoodApps.com
For name of website with reviews with app, because its too general.
Well that’s gay :D
Blink UI™ is already there. It’s part of InterestMachine™ concept as well as MIST UI™. http://abstractionshift.wordpress.com and http://interestmachine.wordpress.com.
Stupid name if Microsoft force Google to pick another name they will be doing Google a favour.
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