IT WAS only under a fortnight ago that we wrote about Apple going aggressive with trademarks. It threatened to kill "iPodRip" in Sydney and now it is threatening another Australian business, also using trademarks. The Age reports again:

Apple trying to rip out our core: Macpro boss

[...]

Apple attempted to register the "Macpro" and "Mac Pro" trademarks for computers in May 2006, which McRae swiftly opposed as he would have had to give up his company's name if Apple was successful.

IP Australia, which handles disputes related to trademarks and patents in Australia, found in McRae's favour but Apple has appealed against the decision to the Federal Court. The trial is set to run over three days in June next year.

“Free software licensing resolves some of the above issues.”Andre Rebentisch claims that "Google crushes Etherpad" and further he writes: "That is really a bad move. Google buys Etherpad just to close it down. I would argue that Etherpad is the best online tool I came across during the last 2 years. Why do they do that to me?"

Another reader of ours says: "Etherpad seems to be closing down." Popey says that "Etherpad opensourcing collaborative web based text editor. Useful for free software projects to collab with like gobby." He links to the news that "EtherPad is Back Online Until Open Sourced"

Maybe miscommunication after all? Either way, time will tell. Free software licensing resolves some of the above issues. ⬆