Does Apple own the word "pod?"

The company filed to trademark it more than two years ago — they already have the trademark for "iPod" — and they've sent letters to other companies who use "pod" in their names asking them to drop their trademark applications. Apple argues that the other pods — among them, Tight Pod, The Profit Pod and Podcastready.com — dilute the iPod brand and could cause consumer confusion.

Of course, it was Apple that raised the humble "pod" to global stature — there's no better symbol of our times than a sleek, white box with a click wheel. But "pod" can be found in any dictionary. How can a company trademark a regular word?

Sam Dolnick spoke to small business entrepreneurs who received strongly worded letters from Apple, as well as trademark lawyers who discussed the legal issues. At least one company has already changed its name — the owner wouldn't say whether Apple paid her — and several others are exploring their legal options.

An Apple spokesman declined to comment on the 'pod' issue. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the federal agency that registers trademark applications, says they're still months away from a decision.

Are pods endangered beyond the Apple stores?

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