Google fights to stay out of dictionary

Ironhorse · 06-27-2003

The Straits Times
Tuesday, June 24, 2003

Google fights to stay out of dictionary

LONDON - Google, the name of the Internet search engine, has become a verb meaning 'to search'.

But Google the company is trying to steer clear of the dictionary. Its lawyers are trying to keep it out of the lexicon of everyday language.

Google's problem is the bigger it gets, the more it becomes part of colloquial English and less a brand in its own right.

Lexicography site Word Spy, for example, was asked to delete the definition of 'google' from its online lexicon or revise it to take account of the 'trademark status of Google'.

Companies such as Xerox, Kleenex and Rollerblade also have teams of lawyers firing off letters to media which use their names as generic labels.

'Once it becomes just a word, it erodes the value of that brand,' trademark lawyer Elizabeth Ward told the BBC.

06-27-2003	#1
Ironhorse Members Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Chicago Posts: 282	The Straits Times Tuesday, June 24, 2003 Google fights to stay out of dictionary LONDON - Google, the name of the Internet search engine, has become a verb meaning 'to search'. But Google the company is trying to steer clear of the dictionary. Its lawyers are trying to keep it out of the lexicon of everyday language. Google's problem is the bigger it gets, the more it becomes part of colloquial English and less a brand in its own right. Lexicography site Word Spy, for example, was asked to delete the definition of 'google' from its online lexicon or revise it to take account of the 'trademark status of Google'. Companies such as Xerox, Kleenex and Rollerblade also have teams of lawyers firing off letters to media which use their names as generic labels. 'Once it becomes just a word, it erodes the value of that brand,' trademark lawyer Elizabeth Ward told the BBC. __________________ Tib ICQ: 790728