Modulator

Can you hear me now?

Everybody got caught up in Fox's rediculous 'fair and balanced' suit angainst Franken. But how many of you are aware of the effort Verizon is making to play the same game with 'Can you hear me now?"

Brett Marston has written a number of posts on this trademark issue. Start with his most recent one here and follow his links to his other writings and other materials.

Here is Verizon's statement of their position:

We are sorry that you feel this way about the lawsuit. However, "The company has spent millions of dollars in advertising and public relations to establish the phrase 'Can you hear me now' as a symbol of our network's quality and our relentless efforts to continue to test and expand our coverage. We will take action against any company or other organization that infringes upon our trademark and damages the valuable brand we have created."

Apparently Verizon doesn't like others, especially their union members, using the phrase. As Brett argues it is our language. If Verizon want's something trademarkable then they should make up some new words.

I think I'll make an effort to use the phrase regularly, say at least once a week.

Oh, and I wonder what Verizon thinks about this?

Posted by Steve on September 13, 2003