According to TechCrunch.com, The Laptop Company, the owner of website bongobing.com, received an extension until October 28, 2009, to oppose Microsoft’s attempt to trademark Bing, with the USPTO.
The CEO and co-founder Raul Pellerano of bongobing.com is quoted by TechCruch, as saying:
“We have worked hard and invested significant resources in building our BongoBing (TM) brand and identity, our website and services, and our corporate identity. We believe it is important for a small company like The Laptop Company to continue to use its trademarks and conduct business without confusion in the marketplace.”
Of course, there should be no way the owner of this domain should be able to stop Microsoft from getting a trademark on Bing, but since the extension of time to object has already been applied for and granted, someone may think the claim has some degree of merit.
Just to note, I have not heard of an objection filed, by the most famous establishment previously using “Bing” in its name, which would be The Bada Bing.
Funny, I always thing of ‘Bing Crosby’ when I see ‘Bing’. Either a revelation as to my cultural history or just the fact that I’m getting old!
Cartoonz
This is an easy call for me, since I know you.
Your getting old.
LOL
If BongoBing was smart they’d take a cash settlement and sign an agreement allowing MS to use Bing, by which also MS agrees to leave BongoBing alone in the future as well.
Don’t they consider this stuff before they go live?
continued… what do all their lawyers do all day except sue domainers? Maybe they should look after Microsoft’s OWN legal interests.
That would be Bing, BANG, Batta BOOM, right?
“Of course, there should be no way the owner of this domain should be able to stop Microsoft from getting a trademark on Bing, but since the extension of time to object has already been applied for and granted, someone may think the claim has some degree of merit.”
Of course what? These guys have been operating with this name long before Microsoft. Why should they get run over now? I think these guys are in the driver’s seat and Microsoft should start thinking about a new name for its search engine. Laws are intended to protect all parties, big and small.
If you go further in USPTO records you will see someone tried to register BING as:
Data transmission by electronic mail; electronic mail; provision of electronic mail facilities and 3 other uses. And they let it get abandoned. Wow if Microsoft ever does decide to give users on Bing E-mail addresses – I can only imagine.
T
First the mark is not famous.
I never heard of them and sure you never had either.
Your saying this company has established exclusive rights to the terms bongo and bing independently?
Exactly Michael you are 100 % correct IMO, and for the people that think they do have the rights exclusively to bongo and bing then look out because you can’t have it both ways. BongoBing which is certainly not a famous national or international mark, should block someone tmming Bing ? 0 Logic IMO