Google in Landmark Deal To Trademark Alphabet
-- Library Journal, 04/01/2006
In a deal with wide-ranging repercussions, search leader Google has announced that it will attempt to trademark the alphabet. Under the plan, Google officials said that, as early as 2009, they would begin charging for vowels only. “It’s simply the most efficient way to monetize the Internet,” noted Google Director of Futurisms Bill Orwell. “Consonants will remain free, under a licensing arrangement we will soon release.” When asked if the letter Y would be considered a vowel and subject to charge, Orwell responded, “Sometimes.” Meanwhile, library and publisher groups vowed to challenge the plan in court. “It’s our alphabet,” read a statement from the Association of American Publishers. “We’ve got two consonants to describe this plan: BS.”
