Apple to developers: remove 'memory' from app titles

A report on gaming news site <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/273052==http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/181499/Memory_board_game_trademark_threatens_several_iOS_ games.php#.UKRvaLToofi" rel='nofollow'>Gamasutra </a>claims that Apple is warning developers of iOS games that German game maker Ravensburger owns the trademark for the word "memory" in association with a game title in 42 countries, and unless they change the app name, it will be removed from the App Store. The company does not own the title in the United States, but it seems that the ban is universal, and will be enforced before the end of the year worldwide, according to sources <em>MacNN</em> spoke to familiar with the matter.<br><br>

Lol! Almost as bad as 'Monster'.

Unreal!!! How about trademark every freaking words in dictionary and let's sue one another.

Excuse me, I own "Unreal"... both in the antarctic and arctic, with increasing countries on the horizon.... My fellow penguins are always suited to take you down in formal proceedings.

How do you want to settle this legal matter??

I have the trademark on the word "the" in association with titles, and everyone in the world owes me a zillion dollars. Each.

But seriously, this trademark thing (like the copyright thing and IP thing) has gotten out of hand and needs sensible reform.

IP will fall apart once 3D printers get good. Imagine being able to torrent your iPhone 12 instead of having to line up outside the Apple store all night.

Breaking news from German government: Anyone persists in using the word "memory" in the App Store will be offered a complimentary train ride to their Paradise Island.

Yes, it's possible in a parallel Universe.

I don't see a problem here. A company owns the copyright on the name in conjunction with a game. Memory is indeed here in Europe a known name. Like monopoly. I guess the word "windows" is equally protected as a name for operating systems. So, I don't see the slightest problem here nor a reason to complain about.

I'm not sure what that read before you edited it, but I'd like to see you try and sell a game called "Monopoly" on the US App Store. Or "Uno".

Good point.

Yeah, sure, because fused little plastic pellets are totally just as good materials to build a case out of as cast aluminum and glass. No difference whatsoever. Really, trust me!

I Just got a confirmation letter from the EU trademark office how this nonsense trademark has been CANCELLED and apple does not care to look and just ask developers to remove the apps.

http://oami.europa.eu/CTMOnline/RequestManager/en_SearchBasic

Trademark number 001203629

What do you think liquid metal technologies is all about?? Time to update your intellect!

Final decision was on 30/11/2012 – not long ago.

But underneath it says


Expiry Date: 11/06/2019
Status of renewal: Renewed
Type of renewal: Total

So is it valid until 2019, or has it been invalidated?