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Retailers Actually Being Told To Stop Using The Term ‘Netbook’

Gizmodo AU

Remember when Psion came out and said they had a trademark on the word Netbook and that everyone should stop using it? Well they actually meant it. What a bunch of douchebags! According to an email sent from Retravision head office this morning, the retailer “MUST stop using the definition ‘NETBOOK’” (their caps). Not only that, but they have to remove all references to the word from “all collateral, web, presentations etc”. You have to feel for retailers in this situation – netbooks is such an apt way to describe these cheap little computers, and even though they’re working on a replacement name it almost certainly won’t have the same sort of marketing appeal.

RETAILERS TO STOP USING THE TERM “NETBOOK”

Please be advised that we MUST stop using the definition “NETBOOK”

Please remove from all collateral, web, presentations etc. and communicate the changes to the sales team.

They are working on a replacement name and will advise shortly. The reason is that a UK company had registered the name “Netbook”.

Toshiba has been the first to advise this, though there is no doubt all other vendors are affected.

Discuss

(7 Comments)
  • [–]

    poobum

    Friday, January 9, 2009 at 1:36 PM

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genericized_trademark

  • [–]

    Jared

    Friday, January 9, 2009 at 2:11 PM

    Retravision still exists??
    How about someone goes and pisses all over Psion – why not go register the name Sausage or Pancakes. Sheesh

  • [–]

    Laurence

    Friday, January 9, 2009 at 2:23 PM

    Shame you cant call it bookNet!

  • [–]

    Dave Ingram

    Friday, January 9, 2009 at 2:45 PM

    Netbook is not a registered trademark in Australia. ‘WIND NETBOOK’ has been applied for by MSI, and ‘Netbooks’ has been applied for by Netbooks, Inc (USA).

    Time for Psion to go away (at least in Oz).

  • [–]

    Pricie

    Friday, January 9, 2009 at 3:53 PM

    Why not call it “WEBBOOK”. Still gets the message across

  • [–]

    Angie

    Friday, January 9, 2009 at 8:58 PM

    Or WEEBOOK!!

  • [–]

    E ILIFFE

    Saturday, April 18, 2009 at 12:30 AM

    Why not call them ‘NETTOPS’

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