pray this does not happen!

[Curtis McMillan]

http://www.economist.com/node/21543212

one step away from malt as a trademark or corn as a trademark of brown forman.

[bioviper]

http://www.economist.com/node/21543212

one step away from malt as a trademark or corn as a trademark of brown forman.

what do you mean. they can do that just trade mark a word. that doesnt seem posible

[Rich Morgan]

I am so thankful that Trademarks are not internationally binding. Some wally in China has been granted a TM for Vodka, LOL.

Does the US not have the same laws as Rest of World in that a word or name that has been in common public use for some time, is considered public domain?

[Curtis McMillan]

I think the bigger picture is how much push does that group have. I.e scottish distillers guild can make waves any place, and if a group of low blow tequila distilleries can get away with this, whats next!

[bluestar]

Ugh, international trademark issues. Just think Budweiser.

[Dehner Distillery]

Unbelievable.

[Skaalvenn]

I am so thankful that Trademarks are not internationally binding. Some wally in China has been granted a TM for Vodka, LOL.

Does the US not have the same laws as Rest of World in that a word or name that has been in common public use for some time, is considered public domain?

The US has laws which are clear as mud and even crystal clear laws are open to interpretation by biased judges-- especially when there is money/power/good-old-boys-club involved.

Reminds me of a few years ago when Ford bought Jaguar and then went sue happy with anything related to their brand image. I think it was back in the mid or late 90s when they sued the Jaguar Club (a group who's mission was to protect the ANIMAL) just because it used the word 'jaguar'.

Just a really quick article on what Ford has been able to do.

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2008/12/ford-doesnt-own-its-logo-and-neither-do-you/

Now Ford is not the only company doing this, just the first one that came to mind.