Dell reclaims 'netbook'. Accuses Psion of fraud

Psion might claim ownership of the term and Google might’ve banned the word from its ad network as a result, and but Dell reckons that term 'netbook' is no longer a valid trademark for Psion.

More to the point, so confident is Dell about this that it has filed a six-page petition for cancellation of the trademark with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). As you can imagine of such a document, it has plenty of impenetrable legalese, but the nub of it is pretty clear – Dell reckons that Psion has abandoned netbook as a trademark, citing some hard-to-dispute reasons. Better still, Dell even accuses Psion of fraud! More after the cut.

Dell’s petition to the USPTO says that Psion is not currently offering laptop computers under the 'Netbook' brand (indisputable), that it is Dell’s information and belief that Psion doesn’t intend to resume bona fide use of '‘Netbook' in the course of ordinary trade (Psion could argue this point we suppose but not right now) and that, in conclusion, Psion has abandoned the 'Netbook' mark (well, when was the last time you saw any Psion product bearing the brand 'Netbook'? Or even any product bearing the brand 'Psion' for that matter?)

And as if all that weren’t sufficient, Dell then goes for the jugular accusing Psion of telling fibs. It says that in November 2006 Psion’s Herb Turzer swore that the company was as of that date using the 'Netbook' trademark "in commerce on or in connection with all goods listed in the above-identified registration". Dell says this is false.

Whatever you think of all this, it’s a battle to watch!

[ Dell petition at the USPTO]