Saturday, April 19, 2014

We all own "Glass"

A few weeks ago the story broke about Google trying to own the word “Glass.”  A few people, including the brilliant Oliver Stepe of YKK took up the cause in different forums to make our case clear in that Google should not be able to patent that word that is as much of part of the public domain as you can get.  Heck, my great grandfather came to the US in 1898 with $34 and a glasscutter and was in the “glass” business then…. Long before a “google” was created.  I for one cannot even see the US Patent Office being so shortsighted to allow this, but in our world crazier things than this have happened.  So far the attempts have been denied but Google continues to appeal.  So we may as well get involved while we can.  Oliver created a petition that you can sign and you can also access the maze of documents from the US Patent office as well.

The arrogance of Google is simply mind blowing.  I think its time we all find a different search engine to use, though I know that’s impossible…  In any case this is a story to watch and see if it grows any momentum.

Elsewhere…

--  Speaking of Google, I had tried a few weeks ago to get into the whole Google+ thing.  I still get emails from people who rave about it.  And again, it does nothing for me.  Nothing at all.  I seriously think the only people who use it are employees or Google and their family members.

--  The fine folks from Garibaldi Glass are having their 4th Annual Open House this coming Friday.  This should be an amazing time and one I am bummed to miss, but surely won’t next year. These guys bring in suppliers and industry trades to educate their customers as well as architects and designers.  Basically it’s a trade show/seminar/open house all in one.  It’s a tremendous idea being pulled off by a company that supports this industry strongly.  Good luck guys, sorry I won’t be there.  Though me not being there will probably help attendance! 

--  Last week I had the chance to watch American Hustle and was seriously disappointed.  Maybe I was in an off mood, but I thought the movie was horrendous and surely not worth all of the hype.

--  As I do each month, I always look through the latest issue of Glass Magazine and after reading the tremendous content; I look at the ads to see which ones stand out.  This month props to the team at Matodi USA for an ad that just popped off the page.  Love the simplicity of it and the right use of color.  Nice work gang.

--  I received remarkable feedback from my interview with Anthony Branscum of Innovative Glass.  There’s a lot of interest in the interior switchable space these days that is for sure.  The interesting part for me is that many people just do not know where to source the material from and also the worry of getting it from a credible supplier.   I guess I take it for granted since I know the legitimate players out there but evidently its not that clear to the market place. 

--  Not sure if Diana Bernal of Key Glass will become a regular on the Glass Magazine Glassblog circuit but I sure hope so.  Her maiden effort was terrific.  I love the passion and approach.  Hopefully they’ll be more blogs from her in the future!

--  Last this week, for my running friends, a new song for your motivational pleasure.  It’s called 300 Violin Orchestra by Jorge Quintero and it’s simply awesome.  If that song can’t get you pumped to keep running, nothing will. 

LINKS of the WEEK

--  Farmers Almanac calling for a long hot summer…. We’ll see if they are right, I think its going to be cooler than normal.

--  A pretty snarky list of the top 10 most disappointing destinations in the world.  A few I surely do not agree with… specifically Disney. 

--  Reason number 1,348,999 why NBC is not one of my favorite networks.  Disrespecting Boston bomb victims… C’mon guys.. her request was simple!

VIDEO of the WEEK

From old friend and co-worker Dave Gillikin.  Great piece on the best April Fools Day joke done in 2014.  26 million views on this one too… man Dave has a lot of friends!


5 comments:

Celia said...

Interesting take on the Google glass issue, I didn't realize that it was such a hot item. What kind of effect do you think this would actually have on the glass industry if Google succeeded?

Trademarking common words also came up recently in the news, regarding Candy Crush. The app creators have trademarked the word "Candy" in the European Union, although it was denied in the US. Also, Xavier Morales points out that "Apple", "Time", "Shell", and "Caterpillar" are trademarked common words. Apparently, sometimes, it's quite appropriate to "own" generic words.

Max Perilstein said...

Celia

Thank you for the comment- its excellent and I had no idea about the generic ownership angles you noted. That surely does factor in!
I am not sure what the end effect would have on the industry and that is an excellent question to ponder. I'll have to do that and throw it out there as well!
Thanks again
Max

Rod Van Buskirk said...

I'm going to patent 'Bacon'.
Rod Van Buskirk, President
Bacon & Van Buskirk

Rich said...

Interesting about Google. I'd use a different search engine however the rest of them are all terrible!

Saw American Hustle this weekend as well. We stayed awake so it was better than most movies we've seen recently. Agreed though, I don't know what the hype was about.

Looking forward to seeing my old pals from Garibaldi later this week. They know how to have an event. Spy camera being installed now.

Max Perilstein said...

Rod- I love that!! Do it!! Thank you for the post.

Rich- thank you for the post as well...wish I was with you at Garibaldi- they are really sharp!