The new Skype problems in Europe – Virtual Poland

  EU Court refused to Microsoft the right to register a Skype name as a trade mark. The reason turned out to be her too much resemblance to the Sky digital platform, registered and protected across the EU. This is not the first time that two companies clashed in court.
 

 Sky first came out against yet for Skype in 2005, before the communicator was purchased by Microsoft. Even then accused him of excessive similarity to his own mark and oppose this reason it is formally registered by the court of the EU. This granted the request of the owner of the digital platform both then and now, so justifying its decision:
 

 - The logo does not stand any specific idea, at most graphic reference to the clouds. It also increases the possibility to highlight the element containing the Sky in the word Skype, because clouds are in the sky [sky] and can be automatically associated with this word.
 

 For a similar reason, Microsoft had already changed the name of their storage services with SkyDrive on onedrive – also at the request of the owner of Sky. At the same time the company emphasizes that if Skype does not intend to make any changes.
 

 - The case did not concern the use of Skype that name, but only its official registration – Microsoft representative told BBC News. Also assured that the judgment of the court in no way implies that any action is required on the part of the company, and she regardless of already preparing an appeal. Still he believes he has a right to deter others from naming their own products, “Skype”.
 

 In a similar vein, they speak out anyway television network representatives. They shall ensure that they are talking exclusively about Microsoft preventing the entry of that name on a wider field, which may constitute competition for them. In particular, it is about services and products related to television. The existence of the communicator is not a problem for them, though – like lawyers point out – in theory they could demand now from Microsoft to pay royalties.
 

  DG
 

  See also: fainted while talking on Skype