A German company appears to have registered the MP3 name as its trademark and in accordance with European Union rules is awaiting observations from any parties who may be interested. Hypermedia GmbH Webcasting has registered MP3, one of the most commonly hit words on major search engines, in respect for hardware and software for telecomms, services of processing, storage, broadcasting and distribution of sound or images and data, the gathering and supplying of data messages and information, the creation of software for communications and information and computer programming services. And more. In accordance with European Union trademark rules, any person or body is allowed to make so called observations, but such representations must be sent before the 27 March next to the Community Trade Marks Office, Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market, Avenida de Aguilera, 20, E-03080 Alicante, Espana. The office has a fax number which is +34 96 5131 344. An email address is also available here, but you must also refer to application No 1 092 725 MP3. So you'd better get moving, those of you with observations. Hypermedia could not be contacted for confirmation or denial at press time, although it does have a Web site here. ®