Microsoft has finally come up with a new name for its SkyDrive service.

In a confusing move, Microsoft named their file sharing service to a similar service already in existence in Europe.

Sky HD is a pay television service in Britain.  Microsoft’s bid to trademark the name fell on deaf ears in Europe.

So after that loss, Microsoft has made another confusing branding change.  The new (same) service is now OneDrive.  Unfortunately, the trademark woes for Redmond are probably not over.  It seems that there are already several services with registered trademarks that are similar to this new name.

The takeaway from Microsoft’s error for other business owners is that you should first contact your trademark attorney and have a search performed prior to spending thousands or millions of dollars advertising a brand that you will have to change.  Trademark searches are inexpensive compared to the costs associated changing a name or fighting a trademark infringement lawsuit.

How Can I Help?

If you, or someone you know, need any help with Intellectual Property issues, from filing a patent, trademark or copyright, or just need advice regarding how best to protect your inventions, ideas or your brand, please contact me for a free 30 minute consultation at nvantreeck@usip.com or call TOLL FREE at 1-855-UR IDEAS (1-855-874-3327) and ask for Norman.

– Ex astris, scientia –

I am and avid amateur astronomer and intellectual property attorney in Pasadena, California and I am a Rising Star as rated by Super Lawyers Magazine.  As a former Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy, I am a proud member of the Armed Service Committee of the Los Angeles County Bar Association working to aid all active duty and veterans in our communities. Connect with me on Google +

Norman