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Lindows Changes Name to Linspire

Linux desktop provider Lindows, entangled in a long-running legal dispute with Microsoft over the similarity to the Windows trademark, is changing its product name to Linspire.

In announcing the decision Wednesday, CEO Michael Robertson said the company was giving in to Microsoft's bottomless legal budget and willingness to pursue the case in several countries at once.

"They sued us over the trademark in the U.S., where both companies reside, and we have repeatedly prevailed. After about two years, they began suing us in multiple foreign countries over the exact same issue, while delaying the U.S. action. At about sextuple jeopardy, we had no choice but to select a different product name internationally," Robertson said. "The simple truth is that the sheer number of lawsuits launched by the richest company in the world is tough for any company to withstand."

While the driver was the international legal fights, the name change takes effect in the United States as well. The www.lindows.com site now redirects users to www.linspire.com. The name change affects the LindowsOS. The corporate name remains Lindows.

The company plans to keep fighting Microsoft in the U.S. legal case, which is currently in pre-trial procedural appeals, and may decide to continue using the Lindows name for the software in the United States.

About the Author

Scott Bekker is editor in chief of Redmond Channel Partner magazine.