Google Facing Googles In Trademark Dispute

by Glen Shapiro, LawAndTax-News.com, New York

09 July 2004

Internet search portal, Google is facing a trademark infringement action brought by Stelor Productions in relation to its Googles.com site.

Stelor's trademark, which relates to a group of alien characters known as Googles that are marketed on products in the children's toy and clothing markets, was granted in 1997, whereas Google was not incorporated as a company until 1998. Although it first sought to register the Google trademark in 1998, official registration was not granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) until January of this year.

Speaking to CNET News.com, Stelor chief executive, Steven Esrig maintained that there is room for the two firms to co-exist, as long as Google recognises his company's rights pertaining to toys, clothing, and books for children.

"The confusion of the names is crippling my business, and Google has refused to sit down and talk with us about the problem," he explained, going on to add that:

"Legally, they have no right to be in the children's market, based on our properties. This is why trademark laws were established: to help smaller companies like us that are in danger of being run over by larger companies like Google."

Mr Esrig is suggesting that the two firms enter into a partnership arrangement, with Google directing relevant traffic to the Googles.com website.

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