Zillow.com versus iZillow.net |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
Today On Techflash
- Paul Allen's Vulcan wants taller South Lake Union buildings
- Apple seen unveiling iPad 3 in first week of March
- Microsoft, Apple speak out on patents amid mobile-technology wars
- What's the most you'll pay for an app? Execs have their limits
- Startup seeks a new start: What's next for EquaShip?
- WTIA announces Industry Achievement Award finalists
- Pioneer Square: a little fiber to go with all that brick
- 'Fast Pitch Forum' to debut May 27 with some familiar names
- Startup seeks a new start: What's next for EquaShip?
- UW opens New Ventures Facility for startups
- What's the most you'll pay for an app? Execs have their limits
- WTIA announces Industry Achievement Award finalists
Mass High Tech
Zillow.com versus iZillow.net
Is Zillow.com strong arming an enterprising developer? Or is the heavily-funded Seattle online real estate startup just trying to protect its brand?
Those are the questions at the heart of an issue that arose this evening after the creator of iZillow.net posted on Hacker News that Zillow.com was offering to buy his domain name for $250. Last May, iZillow.net created a service to optimize Zillow's online home valuations on the iPhone.
The post also noted that Zillow.com was threatening to turn off API access for iZillow.net if they didn't sell out, so I asked Zillow's Amy Bohutinksy what was going on.
Here's what she said:
"He misused our trademark and we had to follow up. He's welcome to continue using our API as long as he doesn't infringe upon our trademarks and use the brand name Zillow," said Bohutinksy. "As per his post - it's not a complete representation of our correspondence with him. This is about defending Zillow's trademark, nothing else."
The dilemma has sparked a fascinating discussion on Hacker News, with several people suggesting that iZillow.net doesn't have much legal ground to stand on.
"$250 is certainly a lowball but their registered trademark for Zillow gives them almost infinite leverage," wrote one reader. "They can just take your domain if they want to. The sweet spot price is just below what it will cost to sue you for trademark infringement."
The issue heated up this week, in part because Zillow.com unveiled its own iPhone application to much fanfare. As I reported earlier today, more than 15,000 people have downloaded Zillow's new app.
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
TechFlash Team
Recent Sponsor Posts
Who's creating today's energy efficient buildings? Find out at the BetterBricks Awards, Feb. 16
BetterBricks Awards salute the individuals leading the way for high performance commercial buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Join us as we recognize these standout green building professionals.
Award categories include: Advocate; Architect/Designer; Facility Manager/Operator; and Owner/Developer.
Keynote Speaker: Kevin Kampschroer, Director of U.S. GSA's Office of Federal High Performance Buildings. Kevin leads the U.S. General Services Administration's efforts in building sustainability and accelerating industry adoption of sustainable principles across all aspects of a building's life.
Register here by February 10!
If you are interested in buying a table, email Monica Alquist or call her at 206-876-5404.
The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
"Bob Mould. Those two words are synonymous with integrity. From Husker Du in the last century to right at this moment, Bob is the real deal, writing and playing music for music's sake. He's a great songwriter and performer. I have been a fan of Bob's for thirty years now with no end in sight." -Henry Rollins
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
Why Choose BDO for your SOC (previously SAS 70) Reports?
BDO’s experience in providing attestation services (SAS 70/SSAE 16, AT 101, AT 201, AT 601, etc.) to a broad range of industries, and our team of skilled professionals distinctly qualifies us to serve as your company’s Service Auditor. By leveraging the BDO global network of control specialists, we are poised to provide global services in more than 1,000 offices and across 119 countries. Many organizations find that investing in reports on controls may result in benefits, including:
• Increased client confidence
• Improved competitive advantage
• Minimization of frequent audits
• Streamlined business processes and controls
• Enhanced risk management
For detailed information contact Paul Martini at pmartini@bdo.com.
