From: adam@address.invalid   
      
   Jim Beard wrote:   
   > On 09/07/2012 10:22 PM, Adam wrote:   
   >> As I understand things, brand names only run into   
   >> problems if there's any sort of connection to other companies.   
   >> Early ads for Mandrake Linux showed a magician's top hat and   
   >> wand, making (some) people think it had some connection with the   
   >> comic strip, which it didn't.   
   >   
   > A big part of the problem for Mandrake Linux was that the name was   
   > deliberately chosen for the "Mandrake the Magician" angle. The idea was   
   > that Mandrake Linux was "magical," not that it was commercially linked   
   > to holder of the trademark on "Mandrake the Magician," but the courts   
   > held that such use of an established and trademarked label constituted   
   > unlawful appropriation of the trademark (and its value).   
      
   So it /was/ the implied (and unauthorized) connection between the Linux   
   distribution and the comic strip character.  I notice the makers of   
   Linux-brand laundry detergent have been very careful not to even hint at   
   any connection with any computer products.  I suppose "Mustang Linux"   
   would be okay if it used a horse for its symbol, but if it used any kind   
   of car then the Ford Motor Company would have grounds for a suit.  I   
   realize that both the comic strip owner and the car manufacturer have   
   spent considerable time and money establishing their brand names.  There   
   are still a few brand names left that I associate with quality products   
   (Stanley tools, Rubbermaid kitchenware), and I don't want to see them   
   representing items of indifferent quality any more than the trademark   
   holder does.   
      
   Adam   
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