Research in Motion Ltd. received some good news late last week, in the form of a Federal Court of Canada ruling that allows it to keep the BBM trademark for its popular messenger service. BBM Canada, a Canadian television and radio research firm that has been using the BBM mark for 60 years, commenced infringement proceedings on the basis that RIM’s use of the BBM mark confused the public. The Court disagreed, ruling that RIM’s use of the mark could peacefully co-exist with BBM’s use, which the Court said extended only to the field of broadcast measurement services. News reports on the decisions suggest that BBM will appeal the decision.
Neil Melliship
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