Tiger Direct Sues Apple

Anyone seen this?

Apple has been sued by Tiger Direct, Inc. for allegedly infringing its trademark with the Mac OS X 'Tiger', according to Bloomberg. Tiger Direct sells computers and related products on the Internet; it says the Apple's software package, marketing, and use of Tiger in the company's forthcoming operating system, threatens to dilute its trademarked 'Tiger' name. It also accused Apple of deceptive and unfair trade practices in the federal lawsuit filed in a Miami court. "Apple Computer has created and launched a nationwide media blitz led by Steven Jobs, overwhelming the computer world with a sea of Tiger references," according to the lawsuit. Bloomberg says that court injunction, if granted, could halt the rollout of new Mac OS X Tiger operating system, which will be officially released tomorrow. According to the lawsuit, Tiger Direct has used its family of 'Tiger' trademarks to sell computers (and computer-related products) since 1987 and the company has trademarked the names Tiger, TigerDirect and TigerSoftware--which it uses in about 25 million catalogs it sends out each year.

I think it's ridiculous how they waited until NOW to file the lawsuit.

All I have to say is, "Oh SH*T!" :(

There is no way they're going to stop Apple from launching tomorrow, bu this could be a major blow to the whole launch in general. Well, I already have my copy so i'm kool.

apple has a trademark for Tiger and its uses if i am correct, its not like they didnt know this a year ago, and they waited until now? trying to call attention to themselves maybe? morons.

http://forums.macrumors.com/archive/index.php/t-33151.html

With all the suing Apple have been doing to others recently, this makes me chuckle :eek: :D

So... assuming all this is true... what "mistakes" are these that consumers are making and hurting Tiger Direct, exactly? What "deception" is leading people to buy less from Tiger Direct?

Do they honestly think that someone who wants to shop at Tiger Direct is going to do a Google search, find Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger instead, and end up buying that from Apple instead of what they were originally wanting from Tiger Direct???

Of course not. They just see a chance to try for some money from a prominent company.

The timing is purely to extort money from Apple. They know Apple hasplanned a big launch and can't delay it, so Apple has not time to respond no matter WHO is right... and therefore they can get Apple to make a big out-of-court settlement without Tiger Direct actually being in the right!

Now THAT is low. Tiger has been promoted for over a year now.

Steve will probably refuse to pay at all costs, but here's what I think I'd do:

1. Pay what Tiger is asking.

2. Then sue them after the fact for the planned extortion (or whatever the proper term).

I'm all for Apple losing when they're in the wrong--and sometimes they are. But even if the letter of the law somehow makes Apple wrong this time, it's still a disreputable and needless act of Tiger Direct.

I just hope this doesn't keep Tiger out of my hands one hour longer than needed, or Tiger Direct will get my negative word of mouth for a long, long time...

Why has Tiger Inc. waited until the day before the launch? Probably just to get attention. I only hope they don't find a senile Judge stopping Apple from launching Tiger.

With all the suing Apple have been doing to others recently, this makes me chuckle :eek: :D

You mean, the suing of people who have actually done illegal things? Things that actually damage Apple's business, unlike Tiger Direct? ;)

When Tiger starts manufacturing software they will have a case.

No trade dress or trademark infringement here, I'm afraid. ;)

This day could not get any more...worse...frustrating...I don't know.

Tiger Direct, please, what are you trying to pull. This is pathetic. You've known Apple was going with the Tiger moniker for almost a year now. Either you are stupid for not knowing until today, or stupid for thinking you could extort Apple for some money.

And I still don't have my Tiger. :mad: It's still preparing...

You mean, the suing of people who have actually done illegal things? Things that actually damage Apple's business, unlike Tiger Direct? ;)

I happen to not agree with a lot of Apples recent legal "battles", so, this amuses me.