Skype facing Sky challenge over trademark

Internet telephony company Skype is being challenged by UK pay-TV operator BSkyB over the ownership of the word Sky in its name.

Under the ‘risks’ section of its IPO filling, Skype has warned that Sky is opposing its trademark applications. Further, the European Union trademark agency OHIM appears to be siding with Sky. In the filing, Skype said: “In particular, in the European Union, India, Norway and Brazil, our applications in respect of the Skype name are being opposed by BSkyB plc., a British satellite broadcaster, internet service and telephony service provider, or by one of its affiliates. These oppositions are based on BSkyB’s claimed rights with respect to the mark “SKY.”

The company said it had successfully defended opposition to the trademark in Switzerland and Turkey and had received a positive decision in Brazil. “However, on July 6, 2010, we received a negative first instance decision from the European Union trademark registry (OHIM) on BSkyB’s opposition proceeding against the Skype bubble logo trademark application,” Skype said, adding that it would appeal the decision.