Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2000/05/10/trouble_down_the_micromart/

Trouble down the Micromart

Trademark trauma for Trinity and VNU

By Kieren McCarthy

Posted in On-Prem, 10th May 2000 10:37 GMT

VNU Business Publications, venerable owner of various computing mags, has launched a free classified ad section for its Web site called MicroMart where you can buy and sell all things computer-based. But hang on! What's this? There is also a printed publication (and Web site) called Micro Mart which offers a classified ad section where you can buy and sell all things computer-based. Based in Birmingham, this is owned by Trinity Publications, part of the mighty Trinity Mirror Group We spoke to Micro Mart (the paper one) editor Matt Wade, who was unaware of his online namesake. "I'll look into it pronto," he said. "I'll speak to the directors. Call me back in a few days." John Barnes, head of new media at VNU, responsible for MicroMart (the online one) was unrepentant. "Micro Mart has been a column in PCW [Personal Computer World (paper-based)] for 20 years now. We haven't taken its [paper Micro Mart] URL or anything." The Register is completely neutral on this one. We hope they both lose. ®