This article is more than 1 year old

Intel sues Intelsat

Doesn't like satellite company's name, uses of 'Intelnet' brand

Chip maker and litigious trademark fan Intel has finally decided to sue Intelsat to prevent the satellite telecoms company from using its name in the US and the UK.

Like Intel, Intelsat - the working name for the International Telecommunications Satellite Organisation - has been around for years. Arguably, it's been around longer - Intelsat was formed in 1964, Intel since the late 1960s. And the similarity between the two names hasn't bothered the chip giant before.

The change appears to be Intelsat's move to become a private company, a process that's due to be completed in July. At that point it will market its services under the Intelsat and - here's the killer - Intelnet brands.

Intel's suit, filed with the Santa Clara District Court, claims that use of said brands will "cause injury to Intel's business reputation and to cause damage to the value of the famous Intel marks as symbols".

We can see Intelsat perhaps letting go of Intelnet, but not the name it's been known by for so long. The company filed to have Intelnet declared its trademark last January. The US Patents and Trademark Office has yet to rule on whether it should be assigned the trademark, as you can see by searching here.

Intelsat was assigned as the company's trademark in 1985. ®

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