BELL WANTS TRADEMARKS FOR 'THE NET'
By Adnews Staff
Bell Canada may be about to appropriate the phrase "the net" for a product line from its subsidiary WorldLinx Telecommunications. Bell could face rough waters with this attempt to make the commonly used phrase its own as angry Internet surfers raise a storm of protest. Groups such as the Public Information Highway Advisory Council in Ottawa say that WorldLinx is trying to take possession of a common phrase that is in the public domain. WorldLinx filed a trademark application for "The Net" on Sept. 14, 1992, which could be granted in three weeks. One of the fears is that Bell will stop other companies or organizations from using "the net" in their names or in product names. WorldLinx replies that it made the trademark application long before "the net" became a common term. Those opposed are urging a publicity campaign to get Bell to back down. WorldLinx specializes in electronic commerce. It uses the name The Net for its best selling product line, made up of systems that link companies' computers and phone lines to suppliers, customers and others. For instance, when inventory is needed a computer automatically places orders with suppliers' computers and materials are delivered without filling out forms or making phone calls.