What’s In a Name?

SciFi Channel is all set to become Syfy. But no, despite what CNet News implies, it is not the lawyers’ fault. The point here is a rather arcane one about trademark law, which prohibits use of a generic term as a protected description of goods or services. The CNet article seems to suggest that “SciFi Channel” could not be trademarked because “Sci-Fi” is generic. But if the mark is unique and the entire phrase has not been allowed into the public domain, as in Science Channel, there should be no problem. So on this one, don’t blame me!!