Anonymous Patron writes “I can’t quite get a handle on what this product does based on this puffed-up press release, but apparently, they’ve trademarked the term “Library Card.”
From the news release:
“The Boloto Group (http://www.bolotogroup.com), an Arizona based technology firm introduced a revolutionary free software, titled the Library Card (TM) that makes possible the next generation Internet. The Library Card is an electronic pass that consumers use to access features of the web by filling out a simple registration. With the Library Card, users will be able to unlock a private community that provides access to products, services and entertainment ranging from online dating to career connections, personal finance to multi-lingual communications, and media, all for free.”
At first I was surprised that this company was able to trademark a common phrase that has been in use for decades, but then I did some research. Since they have only the (TM) next to the name, it is possible that the trademark registration is pending, which means it may or may not become official through the US Patent and Trademark Office. Other companies have trademarked “librarycard” and “library card” already, so it doesn’t look like libraries need to worry much about continuing to use the term.
Library Card
Well, given the length of time that the term “library card” has been part of common usage, I can’t imagine that they will be able to. Milton Bradley tried to trademark “monopoly”. They failed. Of course, we’re living in a different time now. It used to be that making money wasn’t the highest of all human goals.
it is about usage
Library card as it relates to thier silly software is what is trademarked.
Years ago I worked at Home Shopping Network. I was a technical director (nice title little money) I had the Chyron guy put up “this buds for you” on the screen when they were selling that Capidomonte pottery of which every home in NJ must have at least 4 pieces. Anyway the American Floral Marketing Council wrote and threatened to sue because they owned the TM as it related to flowers (even crappy pottery ones), and A.Busch owns it as it relates to beer. So it is a matter of usage.
I am the guy that coined the term ‘faux pearls’ my thesaurus and I worked overnight. A great job for meeting girls but watching two 3 hours shows of crap (actually making the shows truthfully) made me want to gouge my eyes out. I did learn how to drink a lot during those HSN years.
Re:it is about usage
But you can also lose your trademark if it becomes common usage. Isn’t that why Xerox made the big push to get everyone to say photocopier instead? But I get your point. It wouldn’t surprise me to see some pointy headed lawyer try and keep libraries from using the term. It seems to me that it is close enough to the common usage that they might have some difficulties.
Re:it is about usage
So maybe Libraries should jump onboard and trademark it as well? If anyone has the right to use it in a broad way, surely it is us.