Apple's confiscation of language

Apple has sent several "cease and desist" letters to those who use the word "pod" in various product and service names.

Companies often have an aggressive stance against trademark and patent infingement to protect future defense. However I beleive this is an action that will backfire on Apple.

They did not trademark pod, they trademarked iPod. They will have a hard time proving consumer
confusion and weakening of thier brand when the products and services using pod in their name are totally different than Apples MP3 player. Pod has so many other meanings that can be the root of the selection of pod as a source for products and services. For example: a jet engine pod, a pea pod, a pod of whales, and ad pod on TV or radio.

It's awfully arrogant of Apple to believe that it is THE source of the word pod, and THE reason that companies select that word as part of a product or service name.

Who's next, the Washington Apple Growers Association?

Well, that's all for now in the DavePOD, live from the ComputerTalk with Dave Mason BroadPOD.