But in a statement, a spokesman for Twitter appeared to dispute Everett’s version of events, saying the company has no problem with Twitpic’s name.
“We’re sad to see Twitpic is shutting down,” the spokesman said. “We encourage developers to build on top of the Twitter service, as Twitpic has done for years, and we made it clear that they could operate using the Twitpic name. Of course, we also have to protect our brand, and that includes trademarks tied to the brand.”
So, Twitter would let them keep the name, but not the trademark? That’s how it seems to me.
Smells fishy to me. It’s 2014, not 1914. If the business is viable, and it needs a trademark-able name, change your name, redirect from your old domain name, and don’t leave all of your users in the lurch. Then share the David and Goliath story with media to get extra attention on the switch (unless…).
I suspect that if Twitter “forced” Twitpic out of business. It may be because Twitpic may have had a business model that ended in “get bought out by Twitter,” and Twitter wasn’t buying.
But that’s just my imagination at work. It’s quite clear the trademark business couldn’t have anything to with the closure. Such clear b.s. encourages speculation.