Bing Information Design company sues Microsoft over trademark
A small Missouri design company that includes a word “Bing” in its name filed the case to the St. Louis circuit court this week, accusing Microsoft for branding its search engine with the same word, alleging trademark infringement and unfair competition. The design company, which offers computer-related illustrations and other services, has used the name Bing since 2000, and is now seeking damages including corrective advertising paid for by Microsoft to eliminate confusion between the brands. However Microsoft denies possible relation with the trademark: “We believe this suit to be without merit and we do not believe there is any confusion in the marketplace with regard to the complainant’s offerings and Microsoft’s Bing product,” the spokesman said.