In order to stop the trademark legal dispute with Microsoft in these two years, "LindowsOS" officially changes the name to "Linspire".
Press released
Date Published: Apr 14, 2004
In the US, we have the rule of "double jeopardy," which says you can't be tried for the same offense multiple times. This is because putting defendants through multiple identical trials is patently unfair - regardless of the outcome. This is exactly what Microsoft is doing. They sued us over the trademark in the U.S., where both companies reside, and we have repeatedly prevailed. After about two years, they began suing us in multiple foreign countries over the exact same issue, while delaying the U.S. action. At about sextuple jeopardy, we had no choice but to select a different product name internationally. (I had to look up 'sextuple' - it's not a word that I use every day, and it means 6 times.) The simple truth is that the sheer number of lawsuits launched by the richest company in the world is tough for any company to withstand. In addition to our victories in the United States, last week we won our case in France when the Court in Paris rejected Microsoft's demand for a preliminary injunction, but we must still change our name - what a shame. This is not how the legal system is supposed to work.
Today we're announcing our new name - Linspire. The new name incorporates the notched L we are known for, 'Lin' from Linux and 'spire' which means pinnacle. More important than what people think of the new name initially, is what they come to think of it over time. Few people who hear "Motorola" think of radios for motor cars, but that's the heritage of their name. Motorola's products and services now convey much different meaning to consumers. Lindows will face the same challenge with our new name. Most computer users have never experienced Lindows, so we have a chance to make that all-important first impression. We will work hard to make sure Linspire comes to stand for affordability and choice as well as ease of use.
