Tragically timed trademark tiff over Tiger

Every now and then a slow news day has a happy ending. Take today for example. I was just geting ready to post something lame(er than usual) when all of a sudden the news of a big fat law suit lands in my inbox. Not just any big fat lawsuit – but a big fat lawsuit filed by Tiger Direct,  the computer reseller most IT departments love to hate, over Apple's use of the name Tiger.

Let's see... Apple's been referring to Mac OS X 10.4 as Tiger for like a year now? And Tiger is officially released tomorrow. I guess TigerDirect just noticed realized the enormous potential for publicity that's been right in front of them all this time.

According to Bloomberg, the suit alleges Apple Computer engaged in trademark infringement and unfair trade practices in connection with the "Tiger" marketing campaign. Tiger Direct is seeking a temporary restraining order and an injunction that could prevent Tiger from actually going on sale tomorrow, "to stop further damage to Tiger Direct's well-known Tiger brand."

"Apple Computer has created and launched a nationwide media blitz led by Steven Jobs, overwhelming the computer world with a sea of Tiger references."

Yes he did. And nobody does it better. This cat fight is either going to be quick and painless or drawn out and dirty. I can't wait to see which way it goes! Someone's eyes are going to get scratched out either way.

Just for fun, I want you to go immediately to tigerdirect.com right now and type the word apple into the search box in the upper left corner, as I just did. If the results page (for HP iPods) isn't the best way to end a slow news day, I don't know what is.