At http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200410/200410060040.html

an article says :
-------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. computer maker Hewlett-Packard Co. (HP) on Wednesday filed a
trademark infringement suit against South Korean digital music player
maker ReignCom Ltd. for the Korean firm's alleged use of HP's brand
name. In the suit, Hewlett-Packard demands ReignCom suspend its
production of the "iHP" MP3 players and dispose of products made to
date. HP is also seeking W100 million (US$87,000) in damages.

ReignCom's products with the "iHP" name could confuse consumers, because
they appropriated HP's internationally renowned trademark of "HP,"
Hewlett-Packard claimed in its lawsuit. The company added that this not
only infringes on a trademark but also constitutes an unfair act of
competition encroaching on business profit. Damages in the amount of
W100 million could also be raised at a later date, the American computer
maker said.

ReignCom is widely known for its best-selling "iRiver" MP3 and CD players.
--------------------------------------------------------------

I guess that if HP wins this suit, then just about any use of "HP" could
be construed as appropriation of HP's trademark.

I would have thought that Apple would be more likely to sue as I believe
they invented the "Ipod".

Just another bully-boy tactic by HP, I suppose.

Still, W100 million sounds a lot even if it is only $87,000   :o)

Cheers,

John Dunlop

E-mail : [log in to unmask]
Web : http://www.users.totalise.co.uk/~jdunlop/index.html

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