A while ago I started reading a quality PPC/SEM blog called Apollo SEM. The blogs author, Jameszol recently received a letter from a California based web development firm with a similar name demanding they change their name as it was in violation of a their trademark. I won’t go into the details but encourage you to read the letter he received here about an apparent trademark infringement on the name “Apollo.”
It seems that after a consultation with a lawyer, Apollo SEM is completely in the right and, should they choose to keep their name, brand and continue on with business as usual.
Instead, Apollo SEM will be seeking a new name and brand and walk away from the situation entirely. Right decision? You be the judge but I would be that Jameszol and his partners will earn a lot of respect and credibility in the industry for this ballsy move.
The funny part, I would bet they might even rank for the term apollo interactive one day soon.
To the guys at the other Apollo firm – consider a phone call next time, it goes a lot further to win someone’s respect than a letter from a lawyer.