RIM gets to use BBM name without any implications

Research In Motion (RIM) is certainly a company that could do with plenty of good news, considering the rather tough times that the company has fallen into recently. Well, good to hear that a federal court has ruled in favor of RIM, saying that the use of the name “BBM” does not infringe upon any trademarks. BBM Canada’s CEO, Jim MacLeod, mentioned last December that “We want our name back”, referring to RIM’s use of BBM that is associated with their popular BlackBerry Messenger service. BBM Canada then proceeded to bring RIM to court for infringing on their trademark, with MacLeod hoping that RIM will stop using the BBM acronym, in addition to forking out more money for any damages to their beloved brand.

Good to know that the Federal Court has decided that RIM is in the right here, claiming that both companies operate in different industries, where RIM in wireless telecom carrier while BBM Canada is part of the broadcast industry. RIM spokeswoman Tenille Kennedy said, “We are pleased that the Federal Court of Canada sided with RIM and confirmed that RIM’s use of BBM does not infringe the trademark rights of BBM Canada as they had alleged.”

Edwin Kee
Categories: Cellphones
Tags: BBM, RIM