So that's why we can't call it 'netbook:' Intel suit exposes a trademark dispute

Intel filed suit against "Netbook" trademark holder Psion Teklogix late last week, hoping to free up the name for all the companies which make products in the unofficially named netbook device class. Intel contested that Psion Teklogix, a British company that makes handheld computers, hasn't made its trademark netbook in six years, and in that time, the term has become generic.

The company struck back at Intel with a countersuit of copyright infringement and unfair trade practices. Over the weekend, documents detailing Psion's counterclaim were released, where the company claimed it continues to sell its "netBook pro" product well into 2009. Note: the device in question is located in the discontinued products category, and the spec sheet is a fake link.

If you thought I was attached to the term "netbook," a campaign called Save The Netbooks has been keeping a vigil for the term -- which it claims is something of an endangered species -- as it is debated in court.

The dividing line between spectators of this case has already formed. One side sees it as a "David and Goliath" type of battle, where the smaller company's rights are being stomped upon by industry leaders; and the other side sees it as a small company that got a lucky trademark and is milking it for all it's worth. The "Save the Netbooks" campaign appears to fall in line with the latter.