Microsoft is trying to prevent the public from using the descriptive English word 'windows' which has had meaning in the computer industry for years. Companies like Xerox, DEC, and Apple used the term for years before Microsoft. The US Patent and Trademark Office initially rejected Microsoft's trademark application because 'windows' was a generic word.
In 10 years, Microsoft has never filed a lawsuit against the hundreds of products that use the term 'windows' — only Lindows.com. This demonstrates their real motivation is to stop a potential competitor, not prevent confusion.
We hired an independent marketing company to conduct a survey of over 14,000 likely buyers. The results revealed that not even a SINGLE respondent was confused between Microsoft's programs and LindowsOS. We offered a compromise — Microsoft did not accept it. The next court hearing is February 27th.
Michael Robertson, CEO of Lindows.com
