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NY Times Threatens Suit Over Logo For Dead Newspaper

Commented by Dennis:
5:08 PM on June 17, 2010

Patents and trademarks are very different things. Patent protection lasts for 20 years, although the approval process can take several years. I'm not 100% certain on how long it takes to obtain a trademark, but one requirement of a trademark is actual use, as long as actual use continues trademark protection can last indefinitely. However, if a trademark stops being used, the protection expires.

In this case if the NYT had stopped using the Herald Tribune mark, it would fall into the public domain.

NY Times Threatens Suit Over Logo For Dead Newspaper

Commented by Dennis:
5:02 PM on June 17, 2010

I think you're confusing copyright and trademark. A trademark requires actual business use, if you register a trademark, but don't use it, or stop using it, that trademark will expire. A copyright is a different matter, you don't technically need to apply for a copyright, although you can register a copyright. Generally speaking a copyright lasts for life (of the author) plus 70 years, whether or not you use it makes no difference.

Monoprice Not Taking New Orders During Fraud Investigation

Commented by Dennis:
5:41 PM on March 10, 2010

I'm glad they put a notice on their website, but I think they should have also gone ahead and send an email to their customers. I had my credit card information stolen, and I read about it here before I saw it on monoprice. Yes, I still found out about it, but not everyone that shops at monoprice also reads the Consumerist (but probably should).

Monoprice Not Taking New Orders During Fraud Investigation

Commented by Dennis:
5:38 PM on March 10, 2010

I last placed an order with monoprice around Jan 20, and received a call from Citibank this past Thursday due to some odd charges that triggered a fraud alert. Someone was trying to charge $500+ at newegg.com. It was caught and the card has been canceled.

Now I know it's a PR nightmare, but I think monoprice should have sent out an email to their customers and given them a heads up. Shame on monoprice for not taking the extra step and doing what's right for their customers.

This Suitcase Is Yours For Only $27,100

Commented by Dennis:
10:30 AM on February 5, 2010

this might be the only luggage worth $27,000

http://www.youtube.com/watch&v=_UXyKUDGbpk

Is Blockbuster Sending Out Gimped Versions Of Some Blu-rays?

Commented by Dennis:
10:44 AM on January 11, 2010

I also rented Night at the Museum 2 last weekend and noticed some language on the disc saying it was a special non-retail rental only version. Unfortunately, I don't remember the exact language.

AT&T Asks FCC To Deep-Six Landlines

Commented by Dennis:
11:38 AM on December 31, 2009

I would love to get rid of my landline in favor of VOIP, but since I don't have decent cell service at home I'd rather not be without some backup.

Customer Knows Her Stolen iPhone Is Being Sent To Apple, But Apple Says They Can't Return It

Commented by Dennis:
11:31 AM on December 31, 2009

Exactly! I was reading too quick and didn't notice that you were the only other person to make this connection. I think it's hard to blame Apple for playing a game of CYA.

Customer Knows Her Stolen iPhone Is Being Sent To Apple, But Apple Says They Can't Return It

Commented by Dennis:
11:27 AM on December 31, 2009

Without a police report, how does apple/at&t know she didn't sell the phone to someone else and is now trying to get it back? Sorry to say, but in this case it's her word against theirs. But I agree, it definitely sucks.

Life Insurance Myths Debunked

Commented by Dennis:
11:26 AM on December 22, 2009

To quote my tax professor, "Buy term, and invest the difference."

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

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