So, is the use of this symbol on American military buildings, tents, aircraft, vehicles, and medical personnel in jeopardy? I wonder what they would use to replace it if a judge rules in favor of J&J. Perhaps a red snake instead. Never mind, that one is for lawyers.

I would hope that a judge would consider a lot more than that. The law would be a good place to start.



You sound mighty familiar. Have we met here before? Maybe you were posting under another name at one time?

If only if I'd have taken out that patent for c:\ in 1977

J&J isn't saying the Red Cross can's use a red cross as it's symbol. J&J is just a little miffed that the AMERICAN Red Cross is licensing J&Js trademark to J&Js competitors.

AFAIK, the red cross on white background is officially recognized as a symol to be used on the battlefield to denote medical personell by the Geneva Conventions of (I think) 1861. This judge is going to have a ball balancing trademark and international treaty issues.

BTW, do you have a twin-brother named Bentirrian?

That's how I see it. Well said.

Looks like J&J have been doing some IP trawling. They appear to have failed on the international scene and are looking to catch some smaller fish at home.

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200312/24/eng20031224_131113.shtml


Who's Bentirrian?

I think the case may have turned out different if the jurisdiction was the US.

Careful vs Carefree? Come on. It is my understanding that most Chinese don't even speak English. You can't convince me that this isn't a ripoff of one of J&J's flagship brands.

Based on this discussion, I think my idea to open a chain of McDognals restaurants in China is a go!

"...most Chinese don't even speak English..."

Just a little question: How many Americans do you figure speak Chinese???

Careful v Carefree. From a purely english gramatical sense, these words have almost the exact opposite meaning.

From the Oxford English dictionary,

Careful - • adjective 1 taking care to avoid mishap or harm; cautious. 2 (careful with) prudent in the use of. 3 done with or showing thought and attention.

Carefree - • adjective free from anxiety or responsibility.


I must admit I've really had a laugh at Bill Gates statement from your link,



Classic I think even George Boole would have probably seen the funny side.

Wouldn't bet on it. Among students and business-people, learning English is a big deal. And here's an eye-opener:

"In 20 years time, the number of English speakers in China is likely to exceed the number of speakers of English as a first language in all the rest of the world." — Gordon Brown, UK Finance Minister, 2005, during speech in Beijing.