The pile keeps growing for RIM. Just when you think they are in the clear for a couple days, something else emerges. After allegations of trademark infringement, RIM recently shifted BBX, their upcoming smartphone software platform that will “leapfrog” the competition, to “BlackBerry 10”.
Now a Toronto-based company called BBM Canada is going after RIM for infringing on their “BBM” trademark. BBM Canada, according to their website provides “provide broadcast measurement and consumer behaviour data, as well as industry-leading intelligence to broadcasters, advertisers and agencies”. RIM’s BlackBerry Messenger, otherwise known as BBM, is one of RIM’s saving graces, has over 50 million subscribers and offers them encrypted instant messaging between BlackBerry users. Apparently at the BBM Canada offices, employees are being mistaken for RIM employees and have been getting calls requesting support for RIM’s BBM service.
BBM Canada attempted to negotiate with RIM, but talks failed – they even went as far as offering to completely rebrand the company, possibly at RIM’s expense, but again there was no response. So now a court hearing is scheduled for January 11th, 2012. BBM Canada is requesting RIM and all their employees to stop using the term BBM, plus ponying up for damages to their brand for infringing on their trademark.
Jim MacLeod, president and CEO of BBM Canada said “We want our name back… I find it kind of amazing that this wouldn’t have been thought about before they decided to use the name. The same thing goes for BBX.”
Just another day…
Source: Globe
MobileSyrup may earn a commission from purchases made via our links, which helps fund the journalism we provide free on our website. These links do not influence our editorial content. Support us here.
