Tag: vodafone

Google in trouble : sued over Android Tademark

Erich Specht, who owns a software company called Android Data Corp., has sued Google over the use of the name “Android” for its open-source operating system. He is seeking $94 million from Google and 46 other companies. The other 46 companies include Motorola, Texas Instruments, Qualcomm, Vodafone, etc. amongst others.

This is what Specht’s attorney, Martin Murphy has to say :

“Basically, it’s a stolen name. It’s our trademark, and Google is using it as if it’s theirs.”

Android Data Corp. is  a software firm that specializes in providing softwares that would help Web sites transfer data securely and efficiently. The developer started the company in the year 1998.

In the year 2000, he filed a request with PTO to trademark the word “Android Data”. His request was granted in the year 2002.

In October 2007, Google had filed a request to trademark “Android”. But the request was rejected, citing similarity to Specht’s trademark. Immediately, Google claimed that the company was voluntarily dissolved in the year 2004. The claim also said that the company was restarted later, but the firm’s website URL was not re-registered. PTO rejected the claim and also suspended Google’s trademark application last November.

Specht says, he did not take action till now, as he thought that “Android” was just a mobile phone. But as soon as he realised that it was an operating system, he filed a suit.

Both the companies have filed for trademark in “International Class 009,”which covers computer software and hardware. This is the main issue behind this tussle.

Specht’s company is registered with the name “Android Data”, and google has used “android”. But according to Specht, the word “Data” is just descriptive.

Now, Specht and his lawyer need to prove that if Google continues to use the name “Android” for its operating system, it could hamper the image of his (Specht) company in the market and also that there is a possibility of people getting confused over the two similar names. And, this could lead to people considering his small company to be a copy-cat of the bigger company “Google”.

Murphy plans to file a temporary restraining order seeking a preliminary injunction as soon as Thursday. If the order is issued, Google will have to pull off its Android products (currently, only the T-mobile G1 and the HTC Magic, which has been launched in Europe) from the market. And, it would be able to resell those products only if the packaging and brand name are revamped.

But, the expected result is a settlement. Probably, Specht’s company would be given some credit for the name “Android”. It could even be a disclaimer, stating “Android is a registered trademark of Erich Specht/Android Data Corp.”

click here for complete details of the suit.

May 1, 2009 | 0 Comments More

HTC Magic available in spain

HTC Magic has been officially launched in Spain, by Vodafone. It came as a surprise package, as its been released almost a week prior to the possible date of its release, 5th May. The phone is available in online stores of the carrier. But, will be available in the retail stores starting next week. The price starts from 19 pounds.

Magic comes with a 3.2″ HVGA (320*480 pixels) capacitive touchscreen display, Bluetooth 2.0, GPS, HSPA and WIFI b/g. It also sports a 3.2 MP camera. It has 512 MB internal memory.

Just like the dream, it comes with the Google suite of applications, like Gmail, internet browser, Android Market, Gtalk, Youtube, etc.

The icing on the cake is, I feel, the 512 MB ROM. Also, it does not have a keyboard. So, this makes the device comparatively lighter.

April 28, 2009 | 0 Comments More

Vodofone to release second Android phone in Europe

Vodafone is all set to release HTC MAGIC, the second major Android phone next month. It will be first released in Germany (May 5) followed by France, the United Kingdom, Austria, Spain and Italy.

The Magic was annouced at MWC, 2009 in Barcelona. The Magic uses SIP (soft input panel) for inputing text and dumps the hardware keyboard.

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China Mobile is going to release Magic in near future in Chinese market.

The Android is on fire right now as the T-Mobile G1′s sales crossed 1 million in just 6 months!

vodofone germany
April 26, 2009 | 0 Comments More

HTC Magic available in Europe with Vodafone

The HTC Magic, the second Android powered phone, is available for free with Vodafone in Europe, on Pre-Order. It is free if bought under a contract of 30 BP or more. Those who pre-order can expect their device to be delivered by 5th May.

The full QWERTY keyboard in the earlier device has been dug out and comes out a sleeker device, with a software keyboard (not present in the earlier Android device).

For details or pre-booking, visit Vodafone

[via phandroid]

April 22, 2009 | 0 Comments More