nitpicks

I read this morning that knitpixie was changing their name to kpixie. Here's an excerpt from the explanation on their site.

We were approached by a large craft corporation who felt that our store name sounded too similar to theirs and they threatened legal action. We decided to change our store name in order to avoid a lawsuit.

I read elsewhere that the corporation in question was Crafts Americana, owner of KnitPicks.

As I posted in the thread about this on Knitter's Review, I understand that trademark law is such that you have to vigorously defend your trademark. However, I would think that would apply only when there is a legitimate concern about confusion. Sure, spoken aloud, the names sound similar, but I would imagine most people find out about their stores via the web or a printed advertisement. This just seems like bullying to me and I won't be purchasing yarn or knitting patterns from knitpicks again.

Comments

[yahaira]

I never liked knitpicks, especially after they switched to their own yarn brands. I do understand their position, but I wonder why it took them so long. The funny thing is that when I got the email last night from kpixie I couldnt figure out who they were referring to. Knit picks never came to mind!

[Amy]

Yeah, It's no great loss to me to not order from Knit Picks again. I don't think a reasonable person would really be confused, since they don't carry the same lines of yarn and the look and feel of the stores is so different. I know they are acting within the law, but I'm just rather sick of all this trademark crap that's been going on lately.

[Melissa]

I had a feeling that was what happened. I actually work in intellectual property, but on patents not trademark. It might seem like bullying, but they probably do have a meritable case. I guess I haven't had the same problems with Knit Picks yarn - I think they offer some nice stuff at great prices.

[Amy]

Yeah, I totally understand there is merit from a legal standpoint. However, there is what is legal, and what is right, and I just don't think that Knit Picks *had* to go after knitpixie. That said, at least they are getting some free publicity out of the situation.