More than 6 months ago, I wrote on this blog about Google’s failure to protect the Chrome trademark. Now, more than 3 years since the launch of the Chrome browser, Google has finally filed with the USPTO to register the Chrome trademarks.
As of October 2011, Chrome is the third most widely used browser with 25% worldwide usage share of web browsers. (Source: Wikipedia)
Given how big the browser and operating system is and how valuable the name is to Google, it is astonishing that this took so long.
The applications were filed with the USPTO in the first week of November [click trademark or logo for USPTO records]:
- CHROME – computer software, computer operating software, computer browsing software, computer software for providing access to the Internet, computer hardware, computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, mobile phones, personal handheld devices; retail store services featuring computer software provided via the Internet and other computer and electronic communication networks; retail store services featuring computer software for use on handheld mobile digital electronic devices and other consumer electronics; computer design services; application service provider (ASP) services, namely, hosting computer software applications of others; technical support services; troubleshooting; providing a website featuring information relating to computer software
- CHROMEBOOK – computer software, computer operating software, computer browsing software, computer software for providing access to the Internet, computer hardware, computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, mobile phones, personal handheld devices; retail store services featuring computer software provided via the Internet and other computer and electronic communication networks; retail store services featuring computer software for use on handheld mobile digital electronic devices and other consumer electronics; computer design services; application service provider (ASP) services, namely, hosting computer software applications of others; technical support services; troubleshooting; providing a website featuring information relating to computer software
– computer software, computer operating software, computer browsing software, computer software for providing access to the Internet, computer hardware, computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, mobile phones, personal handheld devices; retail store services featuring computer software provided via the Internet and other computer and electronic communication networks; retail store services featuring computer software for use on handheld mobile digital electronic devices and other consumer electronics; computer design services; application service provider (ASP) services, namely, hosting computer software applications of others; technical support services; troubleshooting; providing a website featuring information relating to computer software
- GOOGLE CHROME – computer software, computer operating software, computer browsing software, computer software for providing access to the Internet, computer hardware, computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, mobile phones, personal handheld devices; retail store services featuring computer software provided via the Internet and other computer and electronic communication networks; retail store services featuring computer software for use on handheld mobile digital electronic devices and other consumer electronics; computer design services; application service provider (ASP) services, namely, hosting computer software applications of others; technical support services; troubleshooting; providing a website featuring information relating to computer software
- CHROMEBOX – computer software, computer operating software, computer browsing software, computer software for providing access to the Internet, computer hardware, computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, mobile phones, personal handheld devices; retail store services featuring computer software provided via the Internet and other computer and electronic communication networks; retail store services featuring computer software for use on handheld mobile digital electronic devices and other consumer electronics; computer design services; application service provider (ASP) services, namely, hosting computer software applications of others; technical support services; troubleshooting; providing a website featuring information relating to computer software
Trademark blunders can be quite costly. Just ask Twitter, Apple and other companies that have failed to secure brand names early and have had to pay other companies to resolve disputes, spend money on litigation, and deal with a multitude of headaches managing and protecting their brand.
I am glad to see that Google appears to have the CHROME brand on track now — better late than never.
Tip: when launching a major new product or service, clear the name first, then file for it as soon as you can to maximize the protection and minimize the chances of problems.
Google’s Chrome logo
I am glad to see that Google appears to have the CHROME brand on track now — better late than never. Google has finally filed with the USPTO to register the Chrome trademarks.
http://www.intelinetsystems.com/All_inclusive_IT.aspx
Can I use “Chrome” in my domain?
I can’t give specific advise here. And the response could depend on a lot of factors, including what the domain/site is used for.