3Com, Microsoft battle not over
3Com and the software giant are close to resolving their trademark dispute over the PalmPilot, but have not yet reached an agreement.
Legal action, which arose from Microsoft's use of the name "Palm PC" for its line of palmtop products, was last month undertaken by 3Com in France, Germany, and Italy. 3Com asserted that Microsoft's use of the term "Palm" as a product name constituted trademark infringement.
Although the term "palm" is acceptable as a general designation for a category of handheld devices, "Palm PC" is too close to "PalmPilot" to use as a product name, 3Com said.
Earlier this week, reports surfaced that 3Com CEO Eric Benhamou had confirmed a settlement between the two handheld companies at a Red Herring conference. Today, a 3Com spokesperson said that while the settlement talks are "close" to resolving the issue, reports of a settlement are premature.
Exhibitors at the accompanying trade show showed no compunction about using the palm term either.