Microsoft SkyDrive Settlement

Microsoft's cloud storage brand, SkyDrive, will undergo a name change following defeat in a trademark case brought by the British Sky Broadcasting Group or BSkyB. In U.K. legal proceedings against Microsoft alleging the name infringed on its British Sky trademarks, a ruling by the England and Wales High Court went in BSkyB's favor. Consumer confusion was cited as a factor in the decision. Because the use of SkyDrive brand is invalidated in Europe, rather than develop an alternative label for Europe, Microsoft entered into a settlement deal with BSkyB that will allow the software company to use the SkyDrive name as it prepares to launch a global re-branding effort. Microsoft reportedly had planned to appeal the decision, but then reconsidered. The companies announced that Microsoft will continue using the SkyDrive name for a reasonable period of time to allow for an orderly transition to a new brand. BSkyB vowed to remain vigilant in protecting the Sky brand, saying it would take appropriate action against companies using the Sky trademark without consent. Interestingly, the litigants actually partnered to bring Sky programming to the Xbox 360, an agreement they plan to extend to the upcoming Xbox One console. See story here-- http://bit.ly/155mZbN