Engadget got a letter from the company that supposedly has a trademark on the word “Ant Farm.” Apparently, in talking about another product, they used the word Ant Farm to describe it. The Ant Farm folks didn’t like that.
Name: Steve XXXXXX
URL: www.unclemilton.com
Subject: “Ant Farm” trademark usage
Hello there,
Our company, Uncle Milton Industries, Inc. is the owner of the registered trademark, “Ant Farm(R)” for our brand of ant habitat products. The phrase is not generic. We note the use of our trademark to describe a competitor’s product in your website page noted above, as well as in the “Antquarium” page referenced on your site.
We request that you delete the phrase “ant farm” and substitute it with a generic phrase, such as “ant habitat.”
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. A prompt reply to this request will be much appreciated.
Their response?
No.
I’m sorry, but did anyone know that Ant Farm is an actual trademark? I certainly didn’t. So I looked it up on Google. Apparently tons of companies are using this “trademark.” I understand they have to fight it to keep it, but guys, please. You’ve gone generic. Just like Q-tips, Band-Aids, and Xerox.
[tags]ant farm, uncle milton, whatever, trademark trademarks, business[/tags]