Lindows Withdraws Products From Benelux Countries

by Ulrika Lomas, for LawAndTax-News.com, Brussels

17 March 2004

Linux software firm, Lindows.com announced last week that it has withdrawn its products from sale in the Benelux countries, following a request by Microsoft to fine the company €100,000 per day for failing to make its website inaccessible to internet users in those countries.

Microsoft argues that the Lindows brand name is intended to confuse potential customers by suggesting that there is some kind of connection with Microsoft's Windows operating system.

Lindows announced last month that it would be relaunching as 'Lin---s' (pronounced 'Lin-dash') in Finland, Sweden, and the Benelux countries, where temporary injunctions have been granted against the company in its trade mark dispute with Microsoft.

However, this solution was unacceptable to Microsoft, which argued that Lindows was disregarding the original court order against it, and called for the imposition of punitive fines.

Speaking on Friday, Lindows CEO, Michael Robertson revealed that the Linux-based operating system had been withdrawn from sale in the countries covered by the order, explaining that:

"We have completely withdrawn our products from these markets and put notices on every page of our web site, yet Microsoft is still asking that the Judge fine us €100,000 per day because non-US visitors can view our US-based web site. Microsoft's actions demonstrate this has nothing to do with protecting their Dutch trademark or confusion in the marketplace, but is simply an attempt to put us out of business."

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