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To: Binx Bolling who wrote (9924)	3/30/2000 1:57:00 AM
From: Ausdauer	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 60323

Compaq is afraid CompactFlash will make them look too good in China and the remainder of the World. They own the trademark on the word "compact" including... trash compactor trash compaqtor compaq trash (I own a Compaq PC and the hard drive died on the 366th day that I owned it. After I replaced it I learned the restoration/back-up CD with all the proprietary Compaq device drivers, on screen controls for volume/multimedia control,... and the Windows 95 OEM version I paid for with my original purchase was only valid for the original hard drive. When I asked what I could do to help get my PC back up and running they said, "Would you like to open an account to pay for this service call? You are no longer on warranty." I said, "You gotta be kidding me." They said, "Well, listen, if you change your mind call us back after you've purchased the Windows 98 CD and we'll see if we can help you out.") The next day I applied for a trademark for the phrase "bite me". Ausdauer

To: Binx Bolling who wrote (9924)	3/30/2000 9:02:00 AM
From: Art Bechhoefer	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 60323

I doubt very seriously that Compaq can claim trademark infringement by CompactFlash. There is a rather well known case that probably applies, concerning 7-Up advertising its product as the "Uncola." If it's not a cola, then it doesn't infringe the Coca Cola trademark. Similarly, if it's not a Compaq than it probably doesn't infringe. Spelling does make a difference, and so does the ordinary meaning of words.