Federal Court sides with RIM, says the use of BBM doesn’t infringe on any trademarks

Last December Jim MacLeod, president and CEO of BBM Canada, said “We want our name back.” He was speaking about RIM’s use of BBM with their popular BlackBerry Messenger service. BBM Canada kicked RIM hard when they were down and decided to take them to court for infringing on their trademark. MacLeod was seeking RIM to stop using the BBM acronym, plus pay for the ongoing damages to their brand.

Today the Federal Court has ruled in favour of RIM, stating the companies operate in different industries. RIM in wireless telecom and BBM canada in the broadcast industry. RIM spokeswoman Tenille Kennedy stated that “We are pleased that the Federal Court of Canada sided with RIM and confirmed that RIM’s use of BBM does not infringe the trademark rights of BBM Canada as they had alleged.”

RIM revealed a couple days ago that they have over 59 million BBM subscribers worldwide. They are expected to launch their new BlackBerry 10 OS and devices in the coming months.

Finally some good news.

Source: Globe