Microsoft has lost an infringement ruling against the British Sky Broadcasting Group over the name “SkyDrive” (or, really just the use of the word "sky". To be honest, I don’t see the issue, but I’m not an expert in all legal matters as it applies in the UK.
Due to the ruling Microsoft will be allowed to use the SkyDrive name for a time, until they have chosen a new name and have had enough time to transition their Cloud storage service to the new name. One has to wonder if this could increase the timeline for the public release of Windows 8.1, since the upcoming Windows update has much heavier SkyDrive integration than the original release.
SkyDrive was a good name. Microsoft has never been great at product names. Think about their System Center product branding. Example: System Center 2012 Configuration Manager.
What would you change the name to?
Full release announcement:
British Sky Broadcasting and Microsoft Reach Settlement in Trade Mark Case
Sky allows Microsoft temporary use of SkyDrive name during transition period following trade mark infringement judgment – while Microsoft agree to forego planned appeal
British Sky Broadcasting Group plc (“Sky”) and Microsoft Corporation (“Microsoft”) have today announced the settlement of trade mark infringement proceedings in the European Union brought by Sky against Microsoft in the English High Court. The settlement of this case reflects the desire of both companies to focus on joint projects to benefit their customers.
In June, High Court Judge Mrs Justice Asplin issued a judgment holding that Microsoft’s use of the name SkyDrive infringed Sky’s rights in the ‘Sky’ mark.
According to the settlement, Microsoft will not pursue its planned appeal of this decision and Sky will allow Microsoft to continue using the SkyDrive name for a reasonable period of time to allow for an orderly transition to a new brand. The agreement also contains financial and other terms, the details of which are confidential.
“We are pleased to have reached a settlement after Microsoft agreed not to appeal the trade mark infringement judgment in relation to its SkyDrive service,” said Sky. “We will remain vigilant in protecting the Sky brand and will continue to take appropriate action against those companies who seek to use our trade mark without consent.”
Microsoft said, “We’re glad to have resolution of this naming dispute, and will continue to deliver the great service our hundreds of millions of customers expect, providing the best way to always have your files with you.”
