X-bit labs

Computer Maker Sues Apple for “Tiger” Brand-Name

by Anton Shilov

[ 04/30/2005 | 09:11 PM ]

TigerDirect.com, a reseller of computers and components from the U.S., accused Apple Computer of overwhelming the Internet with references to Tiger by launching a nationwide media blitz to support the launch of the company’s new operating system which is to be released Friday.

“Apple Computer has created and launched a nationwide media blitz led by Steven Jobs, overwhelming the computer world with a sea of Tiger references,” TigerDirect.com’s attorneys wrote in the lawsuit.

The retailer insists that Apple’s use of the name “is causing confusion, mistake and deception among the general purchasing public”. Particularly TigerDirect.com claims that Apple’s use of the “Tiger” brand-name has affected its ranking amongst the Web’s largest search engines – Google and Yahoo – which bumped the company from its usual position among the first three search results.

The first hearing is scheduled on the 3^rd of May, 2005, which is after Apple’s Tiger release. Apple Insider web-site notes that if the court grants TigerDirect.com’s request for an injunction, Apple's rollout of Tiger could be stopped.

“Tiger” is not a registered trademark of TigerDirect.com. Apple Computer lists “Tiger” as a trademark for its operating system.

Apple Computed did not comment on the story.

• Apple Insider: Apple Sued Over “Tiger”, Injunction Sought.
• Apple: Trademark List.
• TigerDirect.com: Computers, Parts, PC Components, etc.
• United States Trademark and Patent Office Home Page.