June 06, 2000
Diva and Goliath:
How many stories have you read about big corporations sending their lawyers after small website operators for trademark infringement? Paramount closing down Star Trek fan sites. Chesebrough-Ponds closing down a Q-tip fansite. Big corporate America will go to any lengths to protect their interests. And they can, because they have the financial and legal resources.
In April 2000, Microsoft launched a web site located at digitaldiva.com, promoting their own "Digital Diva" as their ambassador to the public. Ostensibly, this was to promote a kinder, gentler Microsoft in the face of their current anti-trust problems. This web site offers articles, "how to" tips, and advice on computer and Internet use and applications. The Digital Divas had no idea this site was being launched, or that Microsoft had appropriated their trademark rights.
