Google files for Nexus One trademark

The mystery of the Nexus One continues to grow ever deeper, but we can pretty much confirm Google's planning to sell something under that name: the search giant filed an intent-to-use trademark application for "Nexus One" on December 10th, and in order to be granted the trademark registration it'll have to use the mark in commerce at some point in the future. Now, don't get too carried away -- sure, that could mean free unlocked GSM Android sets for all, but it could also just mean Google's planning to sell the Nexus One as its next-gen Android Developer Phone. Considering everything we've heard points to the device being limited to T-Mobile 3G, we'd say the developer phone theory is still the most likely, but it's all up in the air until Google provides a sample of the Nexus One mark being used in commerce to the USPTO -- or, better yet, announces something official.

Update: Ruh roh. As we're sure you're aware, the "Nexus" name is a riff on Philip K. Dick's Nexus-6 replicants in Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? and ultimately in Blade Runner -- and his estate is none too pleased that Google's using it without permission. According to the New York Times, Dick's daughter -- who is in charge of licensing his work -- was never told of Google's plans, and she's contacted the lawyers now that she's found out. We're guessing Google can still make nice though: she says she would have been open to an agreement had contact been made earlier. So... let's get on that, guys.

[Thanks, Amit]

[Nerdtalker Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:32PM]

That does it, Nexus One is most definitely the name of the elusive Google Phone.

Odd choice. Successors will be Nexus Two, three, e.t.c.?

[TheCodexAlera Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:35PM]

@Nerdtalker

I love the choice of name...(Blade Runner fanatic here).

However I think it cuts both ways. If they had gone with "gPhone" or the "Google Phone" it would have been very recognizable. And people would instantly gravitate towards it.

However it's too easy to accuse them of copying Apple (which in essence they would be).

So I can see why they went with Nexus. Besides it sounds cool. Just like Droid from Motorola (although the phone itself is ugly).

[Andareed Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:44PM]

@TheCodexAlera Nearly every product google has made is of the form "Google Product" (e.g. maps, docs, reader).

[daniel142005 Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:50PM]

@Andareed
So... "Google Nexus One". Eh, that just sounds like your telling someone to search for Nexus One. It's probably just the name for the developer phone, but hopefully it's something more.

[Plazmic Flame Posted Dec 15th 2009 6:06PM]

@TheCodexAlera

I totally agree, the phone is ugly on the outside but damn beautiful on the inside. Next time google needs to work with a phone designer if this is the best they could have come up with. I'm not saying they needed shiny gloss or anything. Still use the cheap plastic but man...couldn't it be a bit more shapely or something? Too many examples to list...

[Troll Posted Dec 15th 2009 6:13PM]

@Nerdtalker

looks like you guy scan stop calling it the google phone

only annoyijg fanboys called it that

[N900 Posted Dec 15th 2009 6:18PM]

@Troll Holy shit, stop banging your head on the fucking keyboard.

[jjchilds Posted Dec 15th 2009 6:50PM]

@Plazmic Flame There is not one Android phone up to date that looks as nice is this phone especially not on Tmobile

[Troll Posted Dec 15th 2009 7:42PM]

@Nerdtalker
"the mystery of the Nexus One continues to grow ever deeper"

here, ill break the mystery. its a piece of plastic with android on it. something you never seen before right?

[Plazmic Flame Posted Dec 15th 2009 7:42PM]

@jjchilds

I'll give you that. If you're comparing it amongst Android phones, I would say that it's ranked #2 in style because the HTC Hero definitely takes the #1 spot. Based on carrier though, I can see why people would get hyped over it. Compare it to styles out side of Android devices and Houston...we got a problem. x_x

[Troll Posted Dec 15th 2009 7:51PM]

@Nerdtalker
"the mystery of the Nexus One continues to grow ever deeper"

here, ill break the mystery. its a piece of plastic with android on it. something you never seen before right?

[HelghanSuperSniper Posted Dec 15th 2009 8:00PM]

@jjchilds not even the droid. I love the way the Droid looks. To be honest, when I first saw the NexusOne I thought it was a HTC Hero. The Hero is awesome and I like the Eris which is...Verizon's version of the Hero. The MT3G isn't a bad looking phone. It just has a cheap feel because it's light and has too much plastic in the build. But it's not a bad looking phone at all.

[buoy Posted Dec 16th 2009 12:54AM]

Hi guys - just to point out "Nexus" (from wikipedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nexus
has dozens of entries... ironically no reference to Nexus-6 in Blade Runner under the "in fiction" category. Somebody may want to put that in though :)

I don't think Google owe's any "rights" to the name Nexus as it is used so extensively in things apart from the cited reference to the book I dream of Electric Sheep --- I guess.

PS: I did run a BBS a long time ago called Digital Nexus BBS... I got the name "Nexus" after searching around the dictionary for cool words.

[anthonypined Posted Dec 16th 2009 1:19AM]

@Nerdtalker ah yes, the sheer of excitement when everything is not seems to be so sure yet the outcome could be so great. I think the FCC findings plus this report gives us the high hopes that the google phone will be a free-for-all carrier type.. hopefully, Google Phone For all next year: http://bit.ly/google-phone-frequency-for-all

[TheCodexAlera Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:32PM]

I look forward to seeing what Google brings with this new device. However I'm gonna wait till the next iPhone drops before I commit either way.

[Akhen Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:33PM]

*climbs Mt. Fuji and gazes deeply into the golden, rising sun; whispers, "GOOGLEDENWA...*

[Anphaser Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:35PM]

It better go on sale! I'm waiting for this upgrade.. I need this phone!! NEED IT!!!!11!!

[Troll Posted Dec 15th 2009 6:06PM]

@Anphaser

why because it has android? homo fanboy

[jareth86 Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:36PM]

We can has Verizon?

[Plazmic Flame Posted Dec 15th 2009 6:08PM]

@(Unverified)

Rumors say GSM first, CDMA later...

[Anphaser Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:36PM]

@AdrianGazz Wow! Well hello there!

[va jj Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:37PM]

probably t-mobile phone.

[flextopia Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:38PM]

@AdrianGazz Are you from the future?

[AdrianGazz Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:39PM]

@flextopia Yes....Yes I am

[TheCodexAlera Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:39PM]

@AdrianGazz

Not liking that trackball though...seriously why can't they get rid of it.

Or at the very least give it a sexy trackpad like a Blackberry. I know they don't want to copy the iPhone but at this point I'm starting to hate that bottom row of unnecessary (in my opinion) keys.

[flextopia Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:39PM]

@AdrianGazz how are you doing this? MORE! MOREE!!!

[Chatboy 91 Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:40PM]

Google must just love watching us squirm with anticipation over this.

Even if the rumors are only partially true (unlocked and good specs) I'm going to buy it. Need to upgrade from my KRZR.

[AdrianGazz Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:42PM]

@flextopia ill upload more a little later

[hollis Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:42PM]

WANT IT.

[ployer Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:43PM]

I wonder if it will have Keristraza in it?

[Shovel Man Posted Dec 16th 2009 12:02PM]

@(Unverified)

I see what you did there.

Don't stand still too long, you'll freeze!

[Velium Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:44PM]

Can anyone confirm the information in this link?
http://www.androidguys.com/2009/12/14/reuters-nexus-one-available-directly-through-google-website-january-5/

[elijahblake Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:48PM]

@Velium

CONFIRMED....

[flextopia Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:50PM]

@Velium I will also confirm for you.

[Jono20 Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:51PM]

@Velium
I dont think anyone can responsibly say anything that has said about the N1 thusfar is confirmed, aside from it being a developer phone that has been handed out to google employees as a mobile android test lab. Until we here from google this is still ALL speculation, very very exciting speculation mind you.

[ChazClout Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:52PM]

@elijahblake
Official?

[daniel142005 Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:58PM]

@elijahblake
The fact that the guy said "And SMS is replaced by unlimited free Gtalk." tells me that it is not true. First, Google Voice has SMS... so why would it be replaced with Gtalk? I could understand the data sim card and then using Google Voice for calls and SMS. Thing is, they just bought Gizmo5 (the VOIP service) last month... so Jan. 5 would be an extremely fast launch date to include fully function VOIP. I guess it is possible that they had been working with Gizmo5 for a while, but still the whole SMS being replaced by Gtalk is very fishy.

[LadyCroft91 Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:47PM]

@AdrianGazz whats the sixth word in the third row? Goodes, goodies?

[B3astofthe3ast Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:48PM]

Nexus one will be the developer version name, like "Google Ion" for the magic. It has an HTC name(passion/dragon?) and will probably be sold with a carrier name from T-Mobile.

[Jeff Kibuule Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:54PM]

@B3astofthe3ast

They didn't bother trademarking the Google Ion.

[MedioGringo Posted Dec 15th 2009 6:03PM]

@B3astofthe3ast or the HTC Dream

[WilliamH Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:50PM]

@TheCodexAlera you dont realize how much the trackball helps when you realize you messed up typing. if you have a G1/ MT3G/ Hero/ etc. try to live without it for a week. its hard.

[ChazClout Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:51PM]

I don't give a shit what network is selling it.
I. WANT. ONE.

[Jono20 Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:53PM]

@ChazClout

youd better change your avatar before we believe you ;)

[ChazClout Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:58PM]

@Jono20

Noooooooo! My HTC Hero is offended by your assumptions! :D lol

(It's also pissed off to learn I want to cheat on it with a another Android handset.)

[Jono20 Posted Dec 15th 2009 6:00PM]

@ChazClout
Haha totally, I cant imagine how all the Droid users are going to feel if this thing is legit, though its probably safe to assume theyre all in to hardware keyboards so they shouldnt feel TOO bad

[Akhen Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:52PM]

@AdrianGazz

So THATS what the X represents! ITS ALL BECOMING CLEAR...ER.

[N900 Posted Dec 15th 2009 5:57PM]

Why is FOX Business News saying this phone will be $1000 unlocked?

[Jono20 Posted Dec 15th 2009 6:00PM]

@N900

It`s fox business news, c`mon. lol. I think google is a little smarter than that, they know no more than we do.

[ChazClout Posted Dec 15th 2009 6:01PM]

@N900
Because Fox lying, useless cnuts. (Deliberate swear word anagram, don't want to offend the kiddies)