Google apparently has been sending out cease-and-desist letters complaining about the word "google" used as a generic term for searching the Internet (E-Commerce News; ZDNet News). I don't think we really need "google" (or "googling") as a synonym for "search the web," but I'm amused that the word has taken on so quickly.
On the other hand, "tivo" as a generic term for a DVR (and as a verb meaning "to record on a DVR") is a very helpful addition to the English language. I suspect that TiVo Inc.'s anticompetitive behavior (see my previous blog entry) has probably encouraged users to genericize its mark.
12 comments:
I don't know why they are worried. When I pick up my hoover (vaccum cleaner), I am forever attached to the successful branding. Google hasn't quiet become the legend. There is still time for it to be superceded in the search site stakes..
i think that google get benifits if "to google" become a common verb. no
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Everyone in my neck of the woods uses "google" as a short-form verb for searhing the net. It's a lot easier than saying, "I'll Modzilla it." Why would Google care?
How could they possibly be complaining about this??
You cant buy that kind of buzz. Their name has become synonymous with the verb to search online.
How could they possibly be complaining about this??
You cant buy that kind of buzz. Their name has become synonymous with the verb to search online.
Google is everywhere. everybody uses it for whatever search for smth. i thnik it is the biggest search system on the web, and why should they complain about it? good for them that the word "google" became so popular...
Google are wrong to complaing about this, I can't understand their mentality in doing so, what are they trying to achieve.
No doubt they will soon be releasing the Google dictionary to tell us what verbs we can and can't use!
The latest step towards the real Google Earth becoming a reality!
If "to google" becomes a common verb, then their trademark registration for the Google name is essentially rendered invalid.
I doubt that their trademark would become invalid if “Google” becomes a verb. Here in South Africa we have a broadband company called “Do.” The trademark isn't invalid just because it's a verb of some sort. Their trademark would remain, and they would forever be cast in stone. What an amazing thing to happen for a company!
That's ridiculous. In fact, I think the whole story is ridiculous. No company in their right mind would stop people from using their name as a commonplace method of referring to something (unless that something was a negative something.) This only buys more exposure for Google, and solidifies them as THE Search Engine of the world. It's probably just some stupid rumor designed by someone else who wanted to get exposure to their blog or something.
Google! they should be so lucky!
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For Google to be used as a generic term is both bad and good. Good because Google, in a way, increases its popularity. This is also, in a way, bad because the name is not used correctly. But I guess Google has all the right to do something about this; otherwise this might cause them some problems someday.
Perhaps Google would reconsider if we all began saying "Yahoo it" or "Bing it" rather that "Google it". =)
-Luke
LegalLuke's Law Blog
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