Nokia’s Ovi brand apparently isn’t as unique as the Finnish mobile phone giant would like. Ovi is Nokia’s online portal for mobile services, app and music downloads, and videos. Turns out, there’s a similar mobile-related brand called “Ouvi” in Brazil. And, you know what happens when competing trademarks and copyrights in the mobile space butt heads. It’s trademark injunction time! Nokia has announced that Brazil’s Ouvi has filed for an injunction against Nokia’s use of their “Ovi” brand.
Brazil’s Ouvi is a company that peddles ringtones and SMS news. Ouvi isn’t in direct competition with Ovi, per se, but there’s enough market overlap to give Nokia reason to worry. Nokia knows this, and is reportedly willing to work with Ouvi on an out-of-court settlement. Translation? Nokia is willing to pay Ouvi handsomely for the right to use the “Ovi” brand in Brazil.
It must be nice to have a company name similar to a mega corporation’s online service.
[Via: AFP]