Murdoch Firm: We Own the 'Sky' in Skype

Rupert Murdoch's BSkyB satellite TV company is fighting to force Skype to change its name, according to newly released legal documents. The Murdoch company argues that Skype's name and logo are too close to its own, and is seeking to prevent it from registering trademarks, the Independent reports. BSkyB has won its case against Skype in an EU court, but the Internet communication service plans to appeal.

A BSkyB spokesman says that the company believes "Sky" and "Skype" are similar enough to confuse members of the public, and its own market research has found this to be the case. The Murdoch firm's legal action is focused on preventing Skype from using its name for telecommunications business, meaning Vancouver's SkyTrain, the producers of Vanilla Sky, and landlords on Scotland's Isle of Skye are probably safe from lawsuits for now.
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