Date: Tue, 16 Jul 1996 22:48:23 +0200 (MET DST) From: Alex de Joode <usura@replay.com> To: cypherpunks@toad.com Subject: Re: #E-CASH: PRODUCT OR SERVICE? Newsgroups: list.cypherpunks

[..] : "Ecash" is a registered trademark of DigiCash. It is registered : with the Benelux trademark office and the United States : trademark office. I believe that it is considered unwise to use : minor variations on trademarked names, but I'm not an : intellectual property rights lawyer.

The Benelux (Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg) trademark laws don't allow for slight variations, certainly not if there is a change that people get confused, it is very very likey that the judges of the benelux trademark court will decide that ecash and e-cash are just to simular, and will thus confuse the public. (art 5 lid 1 BMW)

btw: I'm surprised DigiCash didn't file for a European Trademark, but opted for Benelux and US protection.

Perhaps this has already been voiced on the main list (I get a filtered helping or two of cypherpunks), but *I'm* surprised that such a generic name as 'Ecash' was granted trademark status anywhere. It's like giving Microsoft a trademark on the term 'Email'... It's nuts! Was the term ecash not in use before DigiCash showed up on the scene? Stig