Apple squawks over 'podcast' use

So you've just started making your own podcasts, and you think you're the next high-tech audio star? Great, but you may want to think about changing the name.

Apple Computer is apparently cracking down on the use of the term "podcast," which refers to audio or video files distributed online, and plays off of the company's popular iPod player. According to Wired's Listening Post blog, the company has fired off a letter to start-up Podcast Ready, stating that the terms "Podcast Ready" and "myPodder" infringe on its trademarks.

Apple's legal team is no slouch when it comes to defending trademarks; the company has gone after firms using the "pod" term before.

In a stunning turn of events, bloggers did not leap to defend Apple. Some even went so far as to fault the company for its heavy-handed legal tactics.

Blog community response:

"Apple has been coasting on other people's work, as well as contributing their own, but they're not very generous when it comes to sharing the credit. I'd be inclined to work with them on this, and other things, if they would be kind to us and our creations. Instead Apple sneers at the people who gave them this innovation, and sends demand letters to members of the community."
--Dave Winer

"Apple should be happy that its golden goose is getting so much free publicity, and if it isn't, we know of several companies that probably wouldn't mind if zencast, zunecast, or sansacast became the preferred terminology."
--Engadget

"Nothing could be better for an entrepreneur then to have their company shut down by Apple or Microsoft. It's like Obi-wan getting cut in half by Darth Vadar with the knowledge that you'll come back stronger. Apple cuts your startup in half and you're made for live--you were killed by Steve Jobs. Wear it like a badge of honor."
--Calacanis